September 2024 Keeping high standards
Tees, trees and happy bees – GEAs open for enties Now celebrating it’s 30th year, the Golf Environment Awards (GEAs), including the Syngenta Operation Pollinator Award, have been promoting the incredible work of golf clubs across the UK, and internationally.
“Habitats of any kind need maintenance,” advocates Stella Rixon, senior agronomic consultant at STRI Group. “Heathland and link dunes require grazing and mowing to stop dominant species taking over.
Celebrating sustainability, conservation, ecology and caring for the environment; each year golf clubs share their journey into plans and practices they have, continually encouraging wildlife and biodiversity.
“Greenkeepers are key to creating a mosaic of habitats and helping to encourage strong biodiversity across the courses and getting the right balance.
STRI calculates golf courses represent 33% of the UK’s open space and, when managed properly, can significantly enhance biodiversity, conserve rare habitats, and be one of the leading sectors in promoting positive environmental practices.
“At a time when golf clubs are facing rising costs of materials and fuel, there is no better time to assess what areas need minimal maintenance and let mother nature take care of the site.” Continuous improvement and monitoring of an ecosystem is so important and can create vital
stepping stones among urbanised landscapes, she says. “Through studies, it has been proven that golf courses are even superior to farmlands for supporting the diversity of tree species and therefore bird diversity as well.” Nature conservation bodies are now increasing their efforts and funding into establishing ‘wildlife corridors’, which improve the capacity of species to move between remnant areas of good habitat. They have recognised golf courses as having important roles in the success of this mission. Numerous courses across the UK are involved with safeguarding rare species and re-introducing those which are declining. These incredible efforts are helping
Weed & Pest Control the help you need to keep control. Pages 16-17
revive wildlife which may have been lost and creating eco-systems with longevity, enthuses Stella. This GEAs are supported by lead partner The R&A, and sponsors BIGGA, Syngenta, Aquatrols, Tillers Turf and Jacobsen.
Entries will close on Friday 13th September 2024 and winners will be revealed at the annual ceremony held in January 2025 during BTME week in Harrogate, Yorkshire. Syngenta Enquiry 41
Kubota fleet is the key to maintenance operations A fleet of equipment from Kubota is being entrusted with ambitious improvement plans across the surfaces at Hertfordshire’s Aldenham School. With the assistance of a pair of RTV Utility vehicles, two ride-on mowers and three tractors from Kubota’s L-Series, Grounds & Gardens Supervisor Danny Wells is well-placed to continue the development of the highly historic sports facilities across the 110-acre site. Much of the Kubota equipment was already working hard at the school during Danny’s previous stint, and it’s this reliability and versatility – together with the fantastic back up support from local dealer George Browns Ltd – that sees the fleet expanding more in recent months. “Our tractors are the workhorses for the vast majority of operations
Dedicated Battery Mowers
we do here – whether that’s spraying feeds on the cricket outfields or hitched up with our scarifier, aerator or top dresser for mechanical maintenance on the fifteen winter sports pitches,” said Danny.”
Artificial Turf Maintenance
RTV’s for example, one RTVX1140 and one RTV-X1110, are reliable people and equipment movers. We can use these to tow hand tools and machines such as
our woodchipper around, getting things exactly where they’re needed quickly and safely.” Danny and his team of six also rely on their Kubota ride-on
mowers for the upkeep and presentation of lawned areas.
specialist equipment and new technology. Page 18
Kubota Enquiry 42
Recently joining two Kubota L2452 compact tractors in the shed is a cabless L1-382 fitted with flotation tyres. “While we’ve only had it a matter of weeks, this has already proven to be a great bit of kit!” Danny continues, “Our pitches are mainly claybased so can lay very wet over winter. This capable yet lightweight tractor will enable us to still get implements on the ground without causing damage.
Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs
“Everything we have from Kubota is well-built, intuitive to operate and versatile for all the various applications and environments we manage. Our
spotlight on the latest machinery. Pages 20-22
Bowling green surfaces maintained with &
Aerators
For more information or a no obligation demonstration call 01332 824777 or visit dennisuk.com or sisis.com
Cassette Systems
Scarifiers
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