British Sugar TOPSOIL, the UK’s largest supplier of topsoil to the landscaping, construction and amenity sectors, was the proud sponsor of the Environmental Project/Innovation of the Year award at this year’s Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) Industry Awards, held in partnership with the British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA). 

British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Andy Spetch (right) with Stewart Ward of Forest Green Rovers FC.

The 2014 award was presented to Stewart Ward, head groundsman at Forest Green Rovers FC, Nailsworth, Gloucestershire, by Andy Spetch, National TOPSOIL Manager. Stewart’s success this year follows his winning of the same award in 2012, and being shortlisted in 2013. Stewart is clearly continuing his quest to produce a superb 100 per cent organic playing surface for Forest Green Rovers FC by using the most sustainable methods and ingredients and replacing non-organic products with their organic counterparts. 

The Awards ceremony, which was attended by over 400 of the UK’s and Europe’s leading groundscare experts, as well as dignitaries from the governing bodies of sport and influential sports administrators, took place recently at stadiummk in Milton Keynes and was hosted by talkSPORT Radio presenter Mark Saggers.

Stewart Ward’s innovative pitch care regime includes using an electric ‘robot’ mower that is charged from solar panels on the stadium roof; using an electric pedestrian sprayer to help reduce the club’s CO2 footprint; encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria, fungi and nematode levels with a compost tea system; and employing an irrigation strategy that minimises water usage and costs.

A high level of computer technology is used to maintain meticulous records to monitor and control the use of treatments, the machinery and its service and maintenance, plus pitch condition reports. Specific strategies are also in place for testing and monitoring the soil (pitch) profile. 

British Sugar TOPSOIL’s Andy Spetch said: “As an enthusiastic groundsman myself who was honoured with the IOG Volunteer of the Year award in 2011, I am full of admiration for Stewart Ward’s achievements at Forest Green Rovers FC. He is demonstrating that you can deliver an excellent playing surface by using natural products and by being sensitive to and limiting the impact of machinery and inorganic fertilisers on the environment.

“British Sugar TOPSOIL products are environmentally sustainable, which is why they are used widely by groundsmen across the UK and why we are delighted to sponsor this particular award. We offer Stewart our warmest congratulations.”

British Sugar TOPSOIL champions excellence in the landscape and amenity sectors and sponsors a number of industry awards schemes, including those run by the British Association of Landscape Industries, the Society of Garden Designers and the Association of Professional Landscapers.

www.bstopsoil.co.uk