News In Brief...
Gardeners blamed for decline in bees
Gardeners could be to blame for the decline of bees after a study showed that the insects collect the majority of their pollen from plants other than crops, even in areas dominated by farmland.
Although the widespread spraying of pesticides has been incriminated in the collapse of bee populations in recent years, American researchers found that their pollen was actually contaminated by both agricultural and urban pesticides.
And they warned that the problem grows in summer months when gardeners increasingly use bug sprays, fungicides and weedkillers to beat pests and neaten up their plots.
“If you care about bees as a homeowner, only use insecticides when you really need to because bees will come into contact with them,” said lead researcher Dr Elizabeth Long of Ohio State University.
“These findings really illustrate how honeybees are chronically exposed to numerous pesticides throughout the season, making pesticides an important long-term stress factor.”
Government backs Stadium for Cornwall project
The Government has given its backing to the proposed £10m ‘Stadium for Cornwall’ development.
Talking in parliament on 9th June, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, John Whittingdale, said the plan to build the 6,000- 10,000-capacity stadium for the Cornish Pirates rugby team was something he was “committed to”.
“I have already had two meetings with interested parties in Cornwall,” he said. “I understand that good progress is being made and a draft planning application is going before the council. I hope that will lead to progress and that we will see commencement of work in the near future.”
The development - which will also be the home of the Cornish Sharks American football team and Truro and Penwith College - is awaiting council approval, as well as the confirmation of partnerships with retailers who will invest in retail units which are being used to bankroll the project.
When built, the stadium will be home to the college’s business centre, elite sport, hospitality and catering facilities, and will hold a 200-capacity conference centre.
6 I PC JUNE/JULY 2016 Anyone for Tennis?
Turf Tactics 2016 - a free seminar programme organised by Edgbaston Priory and Pitchcare - put the date in your diary
On 18th August, the Edgbaston Priory grounds team are hosting ‘Turf Tactics’, a free seminar programme organised by Pitchcare and leading industry companies aimed at improving skills, knowledge and techniques for the preparation and maintenance of lawn tennis surfaces.
The venue of the Aegon Classic, won in 2015 by Australian Open Champion Angela Kerber, Edgbaston Priory’s stunning grounds include eight grass courts, seven artificial grass courts, four American clay courts and three macadam courts.
The primary focus of the day will be on the management of the club’s grass courts where Grounds Manager David Lawrence and the team implement what he describes as sustainable and affordable nutrition, maintenance and renovation on the courts.
There will also be some focus on hard court surface marking, moss and algae control and overall site conservation, including species and habitat management.
What’s in it for you?
Attendees will learn from the grounds team and industry experts how to get the best from an array of products and equipment for surface performance and presentation.
The ‘Turf Tactics at Edgbaston Priory in association with Pitchcare’ is open to all grounds managers of clay based sports surfaces and places are free, but limited. Lunch and refreshments are provided for all attendees.
Turf Tactics event sponsors
Programme for the day
9.45am - Arrival, sign in for delegates, light refreshments
10.15am - Welcome by Edgbaston Priory Club and Pitchcare
10.30am - Presentation by Edgbaston Priory Club and The Aegon Classic
11.00am - Presentations by Maxwell Amenity (Pitchcare and ALS)
11.10am - Sponsor Presentations - Limagrain, ICL, Sports and Courts, Campey Turf Care, Dennis Sisis
12.00pm - Briefing on format of afternoon events
12.15pm - Lunch/networking time
12.45pm - Turf Tactics Station
Tour - delegates split into six groups
1. Site Tour
2. Managing Artificial and Tarmac Tennis Surfaces
3. Benefits of Primo Maxx 4. Aeration Techniques 2.00pm - Drinks break
2.15pm - Turf Tactics Station Tour continues
5. Seed Selection and Conservation Management
6. End of Season Scarification and Renovation
3.30pm - End of day: suppliers / Pitchcare / EPC staff available for any individual Q&A
To register visit:
www.pitchcare.com/turftactics2016
Paul Hawkins joins Pitchcare
Paul Hawkins has joined Pitchcare as Advertising Consultant.
He began his career in the Birmingham Post Business Advertising team, before heading up the business advertising team at the Express and Star. The following seven years at TSP Media played a “big part in learning all about the groundcare industry.”
In his new role, Paul will be liaising closely with Editor Kerry Haywood
and Sales & Production Manager Peter Britton, concentrating specifically on new business, but also assisting Peter in his role.
“I want to make a difference here, and I am really looking forward to getting back into such a passionate industry.”
We wish Paul luck in his new role and welcome him to the company. He can be contacted on
Paul.Hawkins@pitchcare.com.
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