Landscaping professionals from across the industry came together for another successful GroundsFest Academy event, this time focusing on the latest innovations in landscaping tools in partnership with Kress. 

Held at Bearwood Park Training Ground, the impressive home of Reading Football Club’s training facilities, the free one-day event combined expert presentations with practical demonstrations, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the latest advancements in battery-powered equipment, robotics and commercial landscaping technology in a real working environment. 

Designed to provide practical knowledge that delegates could immediately apply to their businesses, the day covered everything from selecting the right tool for the job and understanding current legislation, through to battery systems for commercial applications, productivity improvements, operator safety and the growing role of robotic technology. 

Throughout the day, attendees experienced live demonstrations of Kress’s latest commercial equipment, including robotic lawn mowers, blowers, brush cutters, hedge trimmers and the CyberTank Power Station. Visitors also enjoyed an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Bearwood Park Training Ground operation, seeing first-hand how professional facilities are maintained. 

The event reinforced one of the core aims of the GroundsFest Academy: creating opportunities for the industry to learn together, share experiences and build valuable connections. 

Henry Matthews of ProLand Skills Academy and Consultancy Ltd said: 

“You learn so many things – it’s who you meet, the connections you make. The networking is fantastic, and that’s what GroundsFest is about, bringing the whole industry together, and it makes a difference. I would wholeheartedly recommend people come to a GroundsFest Academy event. It doesn’t necessarily have to be something you specifically do – it’s good to learn something new every day.” 

For Kress, the event demonstrated how rapidly technology is transforming the landscaping sector and why keeping up with innovation is becoming increasingly important. 

Jim Kirkwood, Director of Product Management at Kress UK, said: 

“Anyone within this industry who has the opportunity to come to one of the GroundsFest Academy events should seriously consider it. It’s a great opportunity to learn on a one-to-one basis, discover new equipment, understand new technology and see how it could improve their business, increase efficiencies and help prepare for the future.” 

Among those attending was Ewen Kenny, Assistant Groundsman at Cheltenham College, who was keen to learn more about robotic technology and sustainable equipment. 

“I came here today to get a better understanding of robotics in the sports turf industry, to educate myself on what is currently happening and where the industry is heading in terms of technology,” said Ewen. “One thing I’ll definitely take away is just how much of an impact the equipment we’re currently using has on the environment, and how moving towards more battery-powered tools can be much more beneficial for our school environment.” 

By combining technical expertise with live, hands-on demonstrations, the event gave attendees the chance to compare technologies, ask questions directly to industry specialists and gain practical insights into improving efficiency, reducing emissions and embracing the latest commercial landscaping innovations. 

The event is part of the growing GroundsFest Academy programme, which delivers free educational events throughout the year. Supported by leading industry partners, the Academy provides practical, CPD-focused learning opportunities designed to help professionals stay ahead of the latest technologies, regulations and best practice. 

The free sustainability assessment tool is now available at www.groundsfestacademy.com 

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