Landscape & A m en it y www.landscapeandamenity.com
October 2025 Special Feature SALTEX 2025 Preview
Fifteen women lead the pitch prep for a historic World Cup win
The recent Women’s Rugby World Cup will be remembered as a landmark moment for the sport, not just for the thrilling final and the team’s unforgettable win, but for the story that unfolded behind the scenes.
For the first time, the Grounds Management Association (GMA) brought together 15 women from across the industry to take complete ownership of pitch preparation throughout the tournament. From start to finish, this all-female team was entrusted with full responsibility for delivering the playing surface, making decisions and setting the standard for what a collaborative, inclusive approach to grounds management can achieve. These women oversaw every detail as the Allianz Stadium team deliberately stepped back, empowering the team to make independent decisions and showcase their expertise. Their work resulted in a world-class pitche that allowed players to perform at their absolute best, a contributing to the high quality of play and ultimately, the Red Roses’ incredible victory. “This project gave us the freedom to try things, make decisions,
and trust our instincts,” said Liddy Ford, a member of the group’s leadership team, “It was empowering to know that every choice we made, from how we prepared the surface to how we presented it on matchday, had a direct impact on the game. Seeing the players lift the trophy on a pitch we delivered was an amazing moment.”
Jenifer Carter, Director of Communications and Marketing at the GMA, reflected on the wider impact: “This was a landmark moment not just for rugby, but for the entire grounds management industry. An all-female grounds team at a game of this magnitude, the biggest Women’s Rugby World Cup Final ever, shows how far we’ve come. “As well laying the foundations for the players on the pitch, this event was also about continuing to lay the foundations off it. Encouraging more women and girls to consider grounds management as a career is vital. You have to see it to be it – and we hope we’ve inspired the next generation to get involved. “The women on the team for the final have raised the bar for what’s possible. It sends a bold signal about where we’re heading.”
As the tournament came to a close, the team left with a shared commitment to work together to raise the profile of women in grounds management, to encourage more female professionals to join this sector, and to ensure opportunities like this continue to grow. The GMA
Enquiry 1
The all-female grounds team was: • Georgia Edge, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon • Liddy Ford, Wembley Stadium • Beth Gibbs, Wellington School • Cheryl Hill, Leicester Tigers • Rachel Hunter-Worrell, Queen Ethelburga’s York • Jessica Jackson, Wellington College • Meg Lay, Lord’s Cricket Ground • Pippa Lewis, Haberdashers Boys School • Naquita Lloyd-Edwards, Weymouth and Portland Rugby Club • Emma Lynch, Lord’s Cricket Ground • Jasmine Nicholls, Yorkshire County Cricket • Anna Nilsson, Brabazon Golf Course at The Belfry • Zibby Parker, Ipswich Town FC and Essex County Cricket Club • Lucy Rogers, Kings Lynn Golf Club • Sofia Sousa, South Gloucestershire and Stroud College
Product News The latest innovations from the industry Page 6
ATVs, UTVs & Work Trucks The models to take on the tasks Page 18
GroundsFest 2025 raises the bar again
GroundsFest 2025 cemented its place as the UK’s largest industry trade show after just three years, with an incredible 9,037 visitors over two days. The event’s rapid growth was clear for all to see: more exhibitors, more visitors, and more innovation than ever before. The show offered hundreds of brands, cutting-edge product launches, and a community spirit that made GroundsFest stand out.
From world-first product launches to interactive demonstrations, GroundsFest once again proved
itself as the home of forwardthinking solutions.
Over 30 hours of free education were delivered across five seminar theatres, with top speakers providing invaluable insights and CPD points for attendees. The Landscape Zone, in partnership with BALI, was significantly busier than in 2024, with packed-out education sessions on design, planning, and outdoor construction. Many seminars became talking points throughout the halls, sparking fresh conversations and new collaborations.
Christopher Bassett, Event Director of GroundsFest, said: “This show wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible exhibitors, visitors, and partners. We’re truly humbled and we’ll continue to reinvest profits from GroundsFest back into the industry through the GroundsFest Academy. “The key is to always keep listening and evolving - to give the industry a show they can be proud of.” GroundsFest 2026 will return to Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on 16th and 17th September.
GroundsFest
Enquiry 2
Performance without compromise (or noise). Kress commercial battery-powered chainsaws deliver professional cutting power without the emissions, noise, or maintenance of petrol saws. Built for demanding tasks, they combine high torque, long runtimes, and rugged durability to tackle even the toughest jobs. Make the switch to a quieter, cleaner, and more sustainable future – with the strength and reliability you need, cut after cut.. Speak to your local grounds maintenance machinery dealer today to learn more.
kress.com READER ENQUIRY 3
Battery Power Technology that is breaking new ground Pages 20-22