January 2025 New Year planning
The R&A signs the Sports for Nature Framework The R&A has become a signatory of the Sports for Nature Framework, a joint initiative which aims to deliver transformative action for nature across sports by 2030 and beyond, enabling sports to champion nature and contribute to its protection and restoration. The framework was established by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), International Olympic Committee (IOC), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity and Dona Bertarelli Philanthropy – providing a game plan for sports at all levels to accelerate and inspire others to take action for nature. It was signed by representatives of The R&A and partners of the Sports for Nature Framework at the recent Sport Positive Summit. Daniel Lightfoot, Director – Sustainability at The R&A, said, “Golf has shown that it can contribute positively to society by protecting and restoring nature. It also enhances
biodiversity in the environments in which it is played. “Signing the Sports for Nature Framework underlines our commitment to its key principles and ensuring that golf is viewed as both responsible and credible in meeting its sustainability requirements.
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“We look forward to sharing insights and collaborating with the other signatories in the wider sports community as we aim to create lasting change and ensure there is a positive future ahead for our planet.”
A look ahead to BIGGA’s flagship event Pages 10-15
The commitment to the Sports for Nature Framework is underpinned by a number of initiatives and projects already run by The R&A. “By formally joining the Sports for Nature Framework, The R&A reaffirms its existing commitment to the protection and restoration of nature,” said Meredith McCurdy, programme leader, Sports for Nature at the IUCN. “The R&A has already established an important
leadership role within the golf community with research, community activities, and industry seminars focusing on nature and biodiversity.” Other
signatories in golf include the International Golf Federation and the national federations in Colombia, England, Switzerland and France, as well as more than
70 other signatories including the IOC, FIA, World Rugby and World Sailing more widely. The R&A
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Kubota fleet exceeds expectations at Eton College Grounds Team of the Year’ at the 2023 Grounds Management Association (GMA) Awards. In addition, Grounds Manager Lee Marshallsay also scooped the top individual honour of the night. Sport is a central pillar of the Eton curriculum, with almost 1500 acres of sport surfaces and landscaped areas around the campus – all of which have been under Lee’s expert guidance for the last four and a half years. The grounds operation at the world-renowned Eton College is a sizeable one and, at its heart, is an equally sizeable fleet of equipment from Kubota.
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Eton College is a leading educational provider for boys, with a number of notable public figures proudly within Eton’s long and illustrious catalogue of alumni.
A platform for success, even the staff are receiving accolades, with the school’s grounds department securing the title of ‘Best Independent School
“We have 10 Kubota RTV’s which are the main method of transport for the team, as well as getting smaller equipment and materials around the site,”
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Their most recent delivery, a Kubota M4-073 75hp tractor, was made by Lister Wilder and Lee emphasises the importance of a strong dealer relationship in their procurement process. The M4-073 joins other tractors from Kubota’s M Series, together with three L-Series compact tractors, which Lee says are the most frequently used.
Aeration Looking at the latest models & equipment Page 18
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New technology continues to shape the industry
he said. “We then have tractors ranging from 23hp up to 99hp for complete versatility and capability when powering our implements of all shapes and sizes.”
Bowling green surfaces maintained with & Cassette Systems
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