But despite everyone being familiar with grit, there are many things you might not know about it.

We thought it would be interesting to put together this detailed guide to the top gritting myths and facts you need to know.

Read on to find out everything about gritting – you might be surprised!

Top Gritting FAQs

Before we jump into the myths, here are some of the top road gritting facts​ for you:

What is grit made of?

Grit is made of salt, which can be either rock salt or white marine salt, sometimes known as white de-icing salt.

How does gritting actually work?

Grit works in quite a straightforward way. When the grit is spread onto the surface, it mixes with the moisture that is already present. The salt then dissolves into the moisture, and this creates a saline solution.

This saline solution doesn’t freeze at the same temperature as water. Instead, it freezes at a lower temperature, and this is what makes it harder for ice and frost to form where grit has been applied.

With water, when the temperature falls below freezing, the water freezes and turns into slippery ice. But with the saline solution created by gritting, ice will only form at lower temperatures.

How does air temperature affect gritting?

The air temperature is an important factor in overall gritting effectiveness. At just below freezing, grit will help to prevent ice from forming on the surface.

But if the temperature falls below minus 5°C, the grit will be less effective. When the temperature drops to an even colder minus 8°C, gritting stops being effective because now the temperature is cold enough to freeze even the saline solution.

However, it is actually the surface temperature that’s more important in determining whether ice forms or not. The surface temperature can vary based on factors like the amount of sunlight, the number of vehicles travelling on the road and more.

At what temperature do councils grit roads?

If temperatures are set to fall below 0°C, councils will typically send out the gritters to start gritting the roads. The low temperatures mean that ice can start to form, and gritting the surfaces can prevent this.

However, they usually start to apply the grit when the road temperature is about 1°C, and this gives the grit more time to work before the water starts to freeze.

Why can’t I see the grit being sprayed?

You may have seen a gritter pass by on the road without seeming to spread any grit. This may be because the vehicle had not started the treatment, but it could also be because technology has improved.

In the olden days, salt would spray everywhere when a gritter was passing by, and it would often cover nearby cars – much to the annoyance of motorists.

Modern gritting vehicles are more sophisticated. These days, computers are normally used instead to dispense the exact amount of salt required onto the road, so you might not see the grit actually being applied.

Is the council responsible for gritting pavements?

The answer to this is ‘sometimes’. Councils have the responsibility to grit certain pavements, but their priority is to grit the most important paths and roads first. As such, many residential pavements may not be gritted.

Essentially, your local council will determine which pavements to grit depending on factors like how much they are used and the availability of alternative paths.

Should you grit before snow falls?

Gritting during snowfall is not ideal, and gritting before snow starts to fall is the best option. This is because grit is most effective when it mixes with the moisture and forms a saline solution to prevent ice from forming.

This creates a protective layer, so the snow is less likely to compact into ice when it falls.

What conditions does grit not work in?

Grit is less effective in lower temperatures, and it does not prevent freezing at temperatures below 8°C. Additionally, grit needs moisture to work effectively because the salt has to mix with the moisture. As such, applying grit to very dry roads may not be as effective.

Another factor to take into consideration is rainfall. When rainfall is heavy, grit can be prevented from working effectively by diluting the salt or washing the grit away before it works.

Top Gritting Myths

Now let’s dive into some of the most common myths you may have heard about grit:

Myth #1: Gritting Is Easy

This is one of the biggest myths of all, and we can tell you that gritting is hard work!

Gritting professionals need a lot of training to carry out their work effectively, and they are constantly updating their skills to make sure they can carry out their work to a high standard.

Not only that, but think about the conditions on the roads when gritters are out working. They often go out at nighttime in the worst conditions possible, with limited visibility and slippery surfaces. As such, it can be dangerous and they have to be very careful.

They also need a knowledge of GPS tracking and they need to control the amount of salt being released and where it is released on the road, all of which involves having a detailed understanding of the conditions.

Myth #2: Gritting Only Takes Place After It Snows

It may seem like the gritters are sent out following snowfall, and sometimes that’s the case. But gritting crews don’t wait until it snows to act.

Instead, routes are pre-treated before the snow falls. This helps to prevent ice from forming in the first place and it becomes easier to keep the roads clear when the weather gets worse.

Myth #3: Grit Is Applied Randomly

It may look like gritters are driving around randomly on the roads, but they are actually constantly reviewing the weather, planning their routes and staying prepared for bad weather conditions so they can plan ahead.

There’s always a lot of thought that goes into where to grit and how much.

Myth #4: Grit Is Only Applied On Roads

While grit is mainly used on roads, it’s not limited to them. It is also applied to pavements, driveways, car parks, outdoor staircases, and areas where people walk or drive.\

Myth #5: Rain Does Not Affect Grit

Unfortunately, rain can have an impact on grit. If grit is left out and then there is heavy rain, the salt can be diluted, making it less effective. If the rainfall is particularly heavy, the grit could even be washed away.

This is why we usually avoid gritting in the rain. However, if freezing conditions are expected very soon, gritting may still take place.

Myth #6: Gritting Only Happens in Winter

It’s true that most gritting takes place in the cold weather, but it sometimes occurs in the summer as well.

On very hot days, asphalt can become soft, which can lead to slippery conditions on the road. Spreading salt can help to prevent asphalt from melting, making the road safer to drive on.

Myth #7: Councils Are Responsible for Gritting All Roads

One of the more common gritting myths is that the local council has the main responsibility of gritting main roads, but private businesses also need to consider hiring gritting contractors.

Not all roads are covered by the council, and private roads are not their responsibility. If your business has a car park or pathways that may become icy, it’s important to grit these so staff and customers can reach your premises safely and without the risk of liability.

Myth #8: Gritting Is Not Affected by Traffic

Actually, traffic has a major role to play in the effectiveness of gritting. When the salt is spread onto the road, this is just the first step. Next, the traffic on the road moves the salt around, and this is an essential part of the process.

Vehicle tyres help to spread the salt and also work it into the ice, speeding up the melting process. In fact, low traffic levels often mean the road will stay icy for longer.

Myth #9: Roads Only Need Gritting Once

You may have seen a gritting vehicle gritting a road more than once, and this can be necessary when there is heavy snowfall.

The sludge that forms can affect the old grit, and rain can also wash grit away. If the temperature is predicted to fall again, gritters may be called out to grit the road a second time.

Stay Safe in the Winter

Gritting is hugely important during the winter months, helping to keep roads, pavements and car parks safer and helping to reduce the risk of accidents.

We hope this guide to gritting myths and facts has been useful to you. With this information in mind, you should have a better idea about how gritting actually works.
And if you need gritting for your commercial or industrial premises, just let us know. We can also provide grit bins and more to help you remove ice and snow, helping to keep your premises safer during the coldest months of winter.

The post Gritting Myths Debunked: The Facts About Road Salt & Winter Safety appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

With BNG, developers are legally obliged to address the environmental impact of their actions so that biodiversity across a site is left in better condition than when it was found. It also forced grounds maintenance specialists like Grounds Care Group to alter their landscape maintenance programmes by adopting eco-friendly approaches that deliver measurable results.

But what is biodiversity net gain, and what does it mean? This guide will explore new BNG regulations and focus on how to achieve biodiversity net gain.

What Does Biodiversity Mean?

Biodiversity refers to all living things in one natural habitat including humans, animals, plants, and bacteria. However, there is a major risk of these important ecosystems being damaged or affected by developers without the right rules and restrictions in place.

As more and more industries place environmental protection at the top of their agenda, developers now have a legal obligation to clearly demonstrate the steps they have taken to protect and enhance the biodiversity of key habitats during the process of their work. As a legal mandate, the law applies to both planned and sought-after developments.

What is Biodiversity Net Gain?

Biodiversity Net Gain describes the process of increasing the biodiversity value of a development site. It can be achieved both onsite and offsite and even as development work continues.

BNG was optional until the UK Government passed the Environment Act in 2021 forcing all new developments that apply for planning permission to improve the biodiversity of the site by a minimum of 10%. At present, BNG only applies to England with other UK countries expected to follow at some point.

The ‘net gain’ aspect means the development site must enhance its biodiversity value so that natural habitats can flourish, rather than decrease it by negatively impacting the local environment. BNG has become an important strategy for aligning development with conservation goals by ensuring natural habitats are left in a better state after development than before it. In England, it is now mandatory for developers to demonstrate BNG in working practice. At the time of writing, financial penalties and fees for developers who ignore BNG or fall short of set targets were before parliament for discussion.

Why is Biodiversity Net Gain Important?

The protection of key natural habitats during development and maintenance is the driving force behind BNG. By making BMG mandatory for developers, the government will be able to monitor natural habitats and ensure they are nurtured and enhanced for future generations.

Biodiversity Net Gain is important for several reasons including:

1. Quantifiable Measurement

Measuring the biodiversity of a site before and after development will provide vital data that can quantify the biodiversity value of the specific habitat. This is achieved by using standardised assessment tools and metrics, which we’ll discuss later. However, BNG is not about encouraging developers to avoid damaging the biodiversity of a habitat, but more to achieve an overall increase in biodiversity going forward.

2. Offset Losses

Where groundwork leads to a reduction in biodiversity, BNG requires developers to compensate for the loss and reverse the decline of a natural habitat that will result in net gain. Planting native vegetation or creating new habitats are some of the actions that developers can take to mitigate their environmental impact.

3. Legal Compliance

Biodiversity Net Gain is being increasingly incorporated into environmental policies and government regulations. It is already a legal requirement for developers and grounds maintenance specialists in England where you’re required to present a robust BNG strategy to gain planning approval or obtain permits.

4. Habitat Restoration

Developers and grounds maintenance specialists could be required to restore habitats and natural environments under Biodiversity Net Gain rules. This may involve creating new habitats rich with biodiversity or restoring ecosystems that have perished over time. Either way, BNG must improve the ecological value of any site ready for development or already under development.

How Do You Measure Biodiversity Net Gain?

By law, developers and landowners must deliver a BNG of 10% or more. To monitor this, biodiversity is measured in standardised biodiversity units of a specific site according to size, quality, location, and type.

Bad development can lead to the loss of biodiversity units, though units can also be generated through environmental work to create and improve habitats.

The official metric used by the UK Government to measure biodiversity is:

• The number of units contained in a habitat before development starts.
• The number of units needed to replace lost or damaged habitats and to achieve a minimum of 10% BNG.

Developers and landowners are required to use the government’s statutory biodiversity metric tool when calculating the number of biodiversity units present in an existing habitat and to work out any necessary habitat enhancements that may be required.

Who is Responsible for Delivering Biodiversity Net Gain?

The land manager holds legal responsibility for creating, protecting, and enhancing natural habitats set aside for development. They are also responsible for managing that habitat for at least 30 years to achieve their BNG target.

A land manager is someone who makes significant on-site gains or sells off-site gains on a site they own. Where a developer buys off-site units, they are effectively paying a land manager to tend the land for 30 years to meet their BNG commitment.

Who Will Be Affected by Biodiversity Net Gain Rules?

The following groups must understand BNG rules to avoid potential fines and penalties for ignoring their legal obligations. They include:

• Large-scale developments such as shopping centres, schools, offices, and public buildings.
• Small development sites from April 2024.
• Infrastructure projects of national importance from November 2025 such as railway tunnels, bridges, and sporting arenas.
• Land managers looking to sell an area of land for development.
• Local planning authorities (LPA).

Consulting with Local Planning Authorities is recommended as early as possible in the planning process to allow developers time to increase biodiversity by at least 10%. However, not all development sites will be appropriately located to implement this increase. In this scenario, developers may need to alter their plans or create offsite mitigation schemes in a bid to secure planning permission.

As regulations do not specify that BNG must occur on the same geographical site set for development, it gives both developers and landowners more flexibility around the new legislation.

Who is Exempt from Biodiversity Net Gain Rules?

Not all developments or land managers have to abide by BNG rules. Some developments are exempt from the regulations. These include small sites such as residential developments of between 1 and 9 dwellings or where the site area is less than 0-5 hectares, developments below the threshold where work impacts less than 25 square metres of habitat or 5 metres of hedgerow, or householders seeking planning permission for small projects like home extensions or conservatories.

If you’re unsure whether you’re development is exempt from mandatory BNG regulations, there is an online UK Government guide that lists all exempt cases.

How do you Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain?

Through careful site selection and empathetic planning, developers can reduce any negative impact on biodiversity or avoid it completely. Rather, developers and landowners can deliver a minimum of 10% BNG in line with the government’s statutory biodiversity metric.

Put simply, developers and landowners can meet their 10% BNG targets in 3 ways:

• By restoring, protecting, and improving biodiversity on-site. This includes all land that falls within the red line boundary of the development site.
• A mixture of on-site and off-site BNG solutions for cases where developers can only achieve part of their BNG obligations on-site. Here, developers can introduce BNG on their own land outside the development site or buy off-side biodiversity units elsewhere.
• Where BNG cannot be achieved on-site or off-site, developers must buy statutory biodiversity credits from the government who will use the revenue to create diverse natural habitats in other appropriate locations.

What is an Example of Biodiversity Net Gain in Practice?

If a developer cuts down trees on a site, they must mitigate its impact on the natural environment in addition to delivering 10% BNG.

This would mean conducting a habitat survey before development starts and using the statutory biodiversity metric. This will provide viable options they could use to make up for the tree loss and other actions they could take to achieve 10% BNG.

If, however, 10% BNG cannot be achieved on-site, they must buy off-side units. If they still fall short of their legal obligations, they’ll have to purchase statutory biodiversity credits from the government.

Unsure How to Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain? Need Help?

At Grounds Care Group, we have expert knowledge of biodiversity net gain best practices to ensure your development plans meet government regulations. From landscape maintenance to tree surgery to grounds technology, contact Grounds Care Group today.

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Understanding the Importance of Professional Winter Maintenance Services

As the winter months approach, it becomes crucial for housing associations to recognise the significance of professional winter maintenance services. It goes beyond simply ensuring the safety and accessibility of their properties; it demonstrates a commitment to providing a high standard of care for their residents.

By investing in professional winter maintenance services, housing associations can alleviate potential liabilities associated with accidents caused by slippery surfaces and unmanaged snow accumulation. Clearing snow promptly and efficiently can prevent slips, falls, and other accidents, thereby protecting both residents and visitors.

Another advantage of winter maintenance services is the improved mobility they offer. Keeping pathways and driveways clear of snow and ice allows residents, including the elderly or disabled, to move around more easily, maintaining their independence and overall well-being.

Additionally, outsourcing winter maintenance to professionals can provide cost efficiency for housing associations. Rather than purchasing expensive equipment and hiring staff specifically for snow clearance and gritting, housing associations can rely on experts who have the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to handle these tasks effectively.

By prioritising winter maintenance services, housing associations can also enhance property accessibility. Ensuring that communal areas, car parks, and footpaths are clear of snow and ice enables residents to access amenities and services more conveniently, enhancing their overall quality of life.

Advantages of Winter Maintenance Services for Housing Associations

Investing in professional winter maintenance services offers numerous advantages for housing associations. Firstly, it ensures the safety and well-being of residents by preventing accidents caused by slippery surfaces and unmanaged snow accumulation. Prompt and efficient snow clearing reduces the risk of slips, falls, and other mishaps, protecting both residents and visitors.

Winter maintenance services also improve mobility and accessibility for residents, particularly those who are elderly or disabled. By keeping pathways and driveways clear of snow and ice, housing associations enable residents to move around more easily, promoting their independence and overall well-being.

Moreover, outsourcing winter maintenance to professionals provides cost efficiency for housing associations. Instead of purchasing expensive equipment and hiring staff specifically for snow clearance and gritting, they can rely on experts with the necessary knowledge, tools, and experience to handle these tasks effectively.

Another advantage is enhanced property accessibility. By ensuring that communal areas, car parks, and footpaths are free from snow and ice, housing associations make it easier for residents to access amenities and services, ultimately improving their quality of life.

Overall, investing in professional winter maintenance services not only prioritises safety and accessibility but also demonstrates a commitment to providing a high standard of care for residents. Housing associations can rely on experts like the Grounds Care Group to ensure that their properties are safe and accessible throughout the colder months.

Boosting Safety and Accessibility through Winter Maintenance

When it comes to winter maintenance services, boosting safety and accessibility is paramount for housing associations. The colder months can bring treacherous conditions, with slippery surfaces and unmanaged snow accumulation posing a significant risk to residents and visitors. However, by investing in professional winter maintenance services, housing associations can ensure the safety and well-being of their community.

One of the key benefits of winter maintenance services is the prevention of accidents. Prompt and efficient snow clearing minimises the risk of slips, falls, and other mishaps, creating a safer environment for everyone. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or disabled, who may already face mobility challenges. By keeping pathways and driveways clear of snow and ice, housing associations enable residents to move around more easily, promoting their independence and overall well-being.

Furthermore, winter maintenance services enhance property accessibility. Clearing communal areas, car parks, and footpaths from snow and ice allows residents to access amenities and services without any hindrance. This improves their overall quality of life and ensures that no one is left isolated during the colder months.

By prioritising safety and accessibility through professional winter maintenance services, housing associations can provide a high standard of care for their residents. Grounds Care Group understands the importance of these services and is committed to delivering exceptional winter maintenance solutions tailored to the unique needs of housing associations.

What to Expect from the Grounds Care Group’s Winter Maintenance Services

When you choose the Grounds Care Group for your winter maintenance services, you can expect nothing less than exceptional care and expertise. Our team of professionals are dedicated to providing top-quality services that prioritise safety and accessibility for housing associations.

First and foremost, you can expect prompt and efficient snow clearing. We understand the importance of clearing snow and ice quickly to minimise the risk of accidents. Our team will ensure that pathways, driveways, and communal areas are clear and safe for residents and visitors to navigate.

Additionally, our winter maintenance services include gritting to prevent the formation of ice. We use high-quality gritting materials and follow best practices to effectively manage icy conditions and maintain safe surfaces. This attention to detail ensures that residents can move around without worrying about slippery surfaces.

At the Grounds Care Group, we also offer comprehensive monitoring and maintenance services throughout the winter season. Our team will regularly inspect your property for any signs of snow or ice accumulation and take proactive measures to keep your grounds safe and accessible.

Furthermore, our winter maintenance services are tailored to the unique needs of housing associations. We understand that each property is different, and we take the time to assess your specific requirements to deliver the most effective solutions.

How Housing Associations Can Implement Effective Winter Maintenance Plans

To implement effective winter maintenance plans, housing associations should start by assessing their specific needs and requirements. This involves evaluating the size of the property, the number of residents, and any areas that may be prone to snow or ice accumulation. By understanding these factors, housing associations can develop a tailored winter maintenance strategy.

Next, it is important to establish a clear communication plan. This involves informing residents of the winter maintenance schedule, providing updates on weather conditions, and explaining any necessary precautions they should take during icy conditions. Effective communication ensures that everyone is aware of the measures being taken to keep the property safe and accessible.

Housing associations should also consider partnering with a professional winter maintenance service provider, such as the Grounds Care Group. These experts have the knowledge, experience, and equipment to effectively handle snow clearing and gritting. By outsourcing these tasks to professionals, housing associations can save time, reduce costs, and ensure the highest level of safety and accessibility for their residents.

Regular monitoring and maintenance are crucial for an effective winter maintenance plan. This involves inspecting the property regularly for any signs of snow or ice accumulation and taking immediate action to clear and grit affected areas. By staying proactive, housing associations can prevent accidents and ensure that their property remains safe throughout the winter months.

Overall, implementing effective winter maintenance plans involves understanding the unique needs of the property, communicating with residents, partnering with professionals, and staying proactive in monitoring and maintenance. By following these steps, housing associations can provide a high standard of care and ensure the safety and accessibility of their residents throughout the colder months.

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“Navigating Unpredictable Climates” – published in Tomorrow’s FM October 2023 and FMUK October 2023

Over the past 12 months our planet has borne witness to a relentless barrage of catastrophic weather events that have left a trail of destruction, loss, and displacement across the globe. From raging wildfires to devastating floods, extreme heatwaves, and powerful hurricanes, these events serve as a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis and its undeniable impact on our environment, communities and businesses.

Researchers predict that these extreme weather events will become the new norm as the UK will experience more frequent and pronounced fluctuations in temperature due to climate change. Winters, once a predictable period of cold, are now poised to become more intense, with sudden plunges in temperature that may catch businesses off guard.

One of the challenges of these dramatic climate events is the way in which the modern FM can adapt to delivering essential services like winter maintenance and gritting.

Changing weather patterns and the art of prediction

The changing climate has ushered in a new era of uncertainty when it comes to predicting weather patterns. Traditionally, the UK has enjoyed a relatively stable climate, allowing businesses to anticipate and prepare for winter conditions. However, the influence of climate change has introduced an element of chaos into this equilibrium.

In the past, meteorologists could rely on historical data and established weather patterns to make reasonably accurate forecasts. However, the rising temperatures and shifting climate dynamics have thrown these patterns into disarray. This climate unpredictability challenges the traditional forecasting methods relied upon by winter gritting operations.

There is a fine line between knowing when to grit, and when not to, and getting it wrong could be a costly exercise. Businesses can now rely on very accurate regional forecasting services that can tell you when a bad frost is likely. Rain and snow can also have a big impact on the effect of gritting: better weather awareness and timing gritting around when precipitation is expected is hugely important.

Applying the science will make sure that there are no nasty surprises and will also prevent you from wasting man-hours and grit supplies when the weather is bad. This focus on reducing waste is also why the leading professional contractors use software directly linked to weather data to initiate gritting jobs only when needed as it can bring down the overall cost of winter maintenance.

Adapting gritting strategies for a changing climate

Amid the whirlwind of changing climate dynamics, the importance of robust winter gritting strategies cannot be overstated. UK businesses are finding themselves at a crossroads where effective winter maintenance is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a strategic necessity.

Proactive winter gritting doesn’t just prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces; it’s a vital component of business continuity. Supply chains, employee productivity, and customer experiences all hinge on a seamless response to winter weather challenges.

Getting the winter gritting strategy right involves putting in place a reliable winter maintenance plan, and embracing data-driven approaches. Advanced weather forecasting technologies, combined with real-time monitoring, provide businesses with the tools to make informed decisions. These insights allow for the allocation of resources where they are needed most, minimising downtime and ensuring the safety of employees, customers and site visitors.

The vital role of technology

As the traditional methods of predicting weather patterns face increasing limitations due to the unpredictable impacts of climate change, cutting-edge technology is emerging as a powerful ally. Advanced weather forecasting models, driven by complex algorithms and powered by immense computational capabilities, are now capable of simulating the intricate interactions that govern our atmosphere. These models take into account a myriad of variables, including temperature gradients, wind patterns, and moisture levels, resulting in more accurate predictions that factor in the effects of climate change.

While gritting itself seems low tech on the surface, virtually everything around the delivery of the service itself is being transformed by technology. Every industry today is becoming digitised and gritting is no exception. Arguably, some winter maintenance service providers have actually been ahead of the curve in providing a data driven service, as decisions as to when and how to grit sites has for some time been guided by increasingly accurate weather data. For example, the sector has adopted technology and location intelligence to automate service activation and scheduling whenever zero ground temperatures are forecast and the precision of this automated decision making has only increased.

The benefits of such an approach include ensuring a consistent and accurate response to unexpected bad weather, scheduling vehicle routes and service delivery for best results (i.e. avoiding spreading grit at a site just before heavy precipitation), and preventing wasteful gritting on days when it isn’t needed. This last factor is particularly attractive to site managers as only gritting when needed delivers savings that add up considerably over the course of a winter.

Technological developments have also transformed the extent of service level guarantees that winter maintenance companies can provide. Mobile technology helps everyone in this respect: Operators have access to customer site plans and instructions on PDAs and this also cuts their admin by streamlining service delivery and the process of reporting. And when an operator checks in to a site using a mobile device, his vehicle also logs his attendance and the time of the visit. All of this data is available to customers online in real-time, so they know exactly when and where a site has been gritted. Crucially, this information provides peace of mind that any risk is being effectively managed in the best possible way.

Conclusion

The intersection of climate change and winter gritting represents a significant challenge that demands innovative solutions and adaptable strategies. The days of relying solely on historical patterns for weather predictions are fading, ushering in an era where the only constant is change itself. As our climate continues to evolve, the importance of sustainable and dynamic winter maintenance approaches cannot be overstated. By embracing new technologies, data-driven decision-making, and collaborative efforts, organisations can navigate the uncertainties of climate change and ensure safer, fully compliant workplaces.

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Launched in 2021, the campaign was the brainchild of Adam Brindle, MD of Grounds Care Group, with the intention of creating a partnership that would offset Rory’s carbon footprint by planting trees at race circuits all around the country, as well as at Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd in Burnaston.

In addition to targeting the biggest prize in British motorsport, Butcher is also eager to play his part in protecting the environment and has pledged to neutralise the carbon footprint generated by travelling to circuits and back from his home in Kirkcaldy.

Based upon his mileage and average fuel consumption, Butcher and Brindle calculated that 72 established trees* will need to be planted to instantly offset those annual emissions. Moreover, Rory has vowed to plant additional trees for every podium he achieves this season behind the wheel of his British-built Toyota Corolla – three for every victory, two per runner-up result and one for each third-place finish.

Butcher explains: “Adam approached me back in 2021 and was interested in sponsoring a BTCC driver because of his passion for biodiversity through his business and helping the environment also he is a keen motorsport fan so it seemed ideal to try and merge the two together. He came up with a really interesting and exciting idea to offset part of my carbon footprint and has been really supportive.

“We decided to call the project Racing Clean and we made a plan to try and get venues to plant these trees; what better place than the venues we are actually racing at?! We’ve planted at Silverstone, Knockhill, Toyota Motor Manufacturing (UK) Ltd and at Toyota HQ just to name a few.

“The trees not only help to reduce my carbon footprint but also help increase the biodiversity within the area.”

Brindle continued: “I wanted to partner with someone who would understand the project and be a long-term contender in the BTCC and with Rory’s pedigree and history it seemed like the most obvious choice to me.

“A lot of companies talk about carbon offsetting, biodiversity, and sustainability but when you approach organisations they are not usually interested, so you can quickly see who is actually serious about the end goal and that’s why it is so amazing to have both TMUK and Toyota HQ showing their wholehearted support for this project.

“We aim to plant 80 trees per year so by the end of 2023 we will have planted in excess of over 200. These trees are a couple of years old when we plant them and they are all native to the UK, which is important for the biodiversity as they are not competing with the trees already in the area.

“It’s been a fantastic success so far and we look forward to continuing the collaboration throughout this season and beyond.”

Agustín Martín, TGB President and CEO, added “We are delighted to be supporting Rory and Adam with the Racing Clean Project.  It’s a fantastic initiative which is very close to us here at Toyota Eco-HQ and Toyota’s Global Environmental Challenge 2050, where one of our main aims is to establish a future society in harmony with nature. 

“At Eco-HQ, we pride ourselves on encouraging and enhancing onsite biodiversity, whilst creating an engaging space for staff and visitors and providing a legacy through the education of staff and the local community.  We all have a responsibility to the environment and the Racing Clean Project is a brilliant example of how this can be achieved.”

*Trees to be planted may include Acer campestre, Alnus glutinosa, Betula pendula, Carpinus betulus, Castanea sativa, Fagus sylvatica, Quercus robur, Sorbus aucuparia, Tilia cordata and Tilia platyphyllus.

For further information on Grounds Care Group, please visit www.gcgrp.co.uk

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Time for a dirty secret. Years back when I was coming into the grounds maintenance business , I was told – “you make your money doing the work you don’t do”. You price the work into your contract and then work your hardest to avoid delivering it. From an ethical perspective, this never sat well with me or for many of us in the profession that work hard every day to deliver on our promises. But that cynical view is sadly still out there – particularly when contractors are racing to the bottom on pricing grounds maintenance as a commodity rather than a skilled and valuable service.

This month we saw just this when pitching to a prospective client in the care sector. Until recently their grounds maintenance was being handled by two major contractors, but the experience had proved disappointing with unfulfilled promises and even failures to turn up on site for weeks on end. As a result, they’d decided to reboot and rewrite their tender to be more focused on quality and horticultural best practice.

The client had realised that the commodity approach on pricing and services, which at best delivered a bare bones “mow, blow and go” service, needed to be replaced by a more specialised approach that could combine a commercial offering with a more horticultural focus. This change in emphasis reflected a realisation that their sites were more than a problem to be held at bay, but rather, could become an asset to support their business. As care homes, gardens could play an active role in supporting their service users – for example, by providing sensory gardens for Alzheimer’s sufferers.

There will of course be limits to how much can be done within a given budget and grounds maintenance has always been concerned with balancing aesthetic demands with cost control. Yet for many clients, the focus on quality and horticulture is proving a better way to reconcile these objectives. At several of the larger sites we manage, we’ve worked with clients to move away from excessive mowing and are now allowing grassy areas to go longer between mowing. This takes a more considered, proactive approach: not quite rewilding but finding a happy medium that cuts costs while allowing wild flowers to flourish. It also reduces the environmental impact and the emissions produced when mowing lawns to within an inch of their life.

In other instances, having skilled staff that can care for plants through best horticultural practice can help those plants stay looking at their best for longer periods. By contrast, the commodity approach of box it all up, square it all off and get rid of the leaves, can result in plants dying off and require costly replanting down the line. As an aside, housing developments can often start with poor landscape architecture, where gardens are strewn with plants that often outgrow their space and/or are hard to maintain. Taking a considered horticultural approach from the outset can help to deliver longevity. 

For many clients, there is a growing realisation that letting the pendulum swing too far towards a cheap tender can result in poor overall return on investment – especially when it results in higher downstream cost to rectify poor practices. By contrast, working with a horticultural specialist and investing a little more up front can produce better outcomes and greater long-term ROI. What does this mean in practice? It means that contractors engage with stakeholders throughout the client’s business to understand needs, auditing their portfolio to help them understand the status of their sites and then help them to identify what work can be done to help align to those needs.

This process is key to defining ROI in a more meaningful way. Thinking again about our care home example shows how value can be defined: Say you’re considering a home for your elderly mother and turn up to see the gardens in a state of neglect. Would you trust a business to care for your mum if they can’t look after their grounds? Whether its retail or property management, this need to preserve kerb appeal can be seen across numerous businesses.

Of course, horticultural best practice must be reconciled with practical factors such as safety. Even if it’s the wrong time to cut back a hedge, if it’s growing across a path and causing a trip hazard it needs addressing. Likewise, piles of leaves on paths can cause trips and slips and site visits by grounds teams need to allow for sufficient vigilance and care to ensure issues are caught early and proactively addressed. This is easier to achieve if grounds staff aren’t being incentivised to deliver the minimum. Conversely, things like this can be missed if contractors have no sense of partnership or accountability.

Ironically, in the digital age when smart devices are allowing for far more live reporting and supposedly better accountability, much of the old school TLC that helps keep sites at their best is being left behind. I’d argue that clients can and should expect both – and indeed many organisations have already started to change the way they engage grounds maintenance contractors to focus on value rather than cost.

For further information call The Grounds Care Group on 0800 122 3376 or email info@gcgrp.co.uk

About The Grounds Care Group

The Grounds Care Group is a specialist grounds maintenance contractor offering professional services including grounds maintenance, gritting and snow clearance, small works, site clearance, vegetation management, tree works, wildlife and security fencing.

It is also one of the UK’s leading contractors and consultants in the control, treatment, removal and thorough elimination of Japanese Knotweed and other invasive weed species. The Grounds Care Group is Property Care Approved and treat 1000’s of sites nationwide each year.

www.gcgrp.co.uk

For further media information, contact:

Matt Trace, Defero Communications

07828 663988

matt@deferouk.co.uk

The post From lowest cost to lasting value – Why a horticultural approach to grounds maintenance will bear fruit. appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

Your commercial property or office is the physical shop window of your business, and the place where you welcome visitors and hold face-to-face meetings. If it doesn’t always look its best, it could seriously harm your curb appeal.

Failing to take proper care of your grounds before the winter weather strikes could damage its ability to survive cold temperatures and snowfall that are likely to follow. Then, when spring arrives, your landscape could be in desperate need of help and attention.

Luckily, there are some top winter landscaping tips to follow that will significantly benefit your commercial property’s appearance and save you time and money in the long run.

1. Aerate and Scarify Lawns

During autumn your grounds are likely to develop a layer of dead grass and moss called thatch. If these dead stems and roots are left on your lawn, they could kill healthy grass and destroy your landscape for the spring.

Aerating and scarifying your grass removes the dead roots and churns the soil so that water, oxygen, fertilizer and grass seed can penetrate the surface. It will also encourage fresh grass growth so that your lawn survives the cold winter and looks great come springtime.

2. Remove Dead Leaves

If your commercial building is near trees, your outdoor area could quickly become covered by leaves when they fall off during autumn.

This can be disastrous for your lawn as dead leaves will block out sunlight, causing grass to thin out and preventing fresh growth.

Removing dead leaves is a simple but effective way to ensure your lawn is given the best possible chance for regrowth so it maintains its green and lush appearance.

3. Trim Your Trees

When temperatures drop during winter trees become dormant. With a few exceptions, this is the them as they won’t lose energy trying to recover, so when warmer months arrive, they look healthy and in perfect shape. Dormant months run from November to March, depending on weather, for trees. In dormant season trees have no leaves, are able to close their wounds quicker and any pests are less likely to be active.

Another handy tip is to add fertilizer to your trees to boost their resistance to insects and disease during winter and early spring.

The trunks and bases of smaller trees and shrubs can also be wrapped in materials like polypropylene, paper or burlap to protect them from harsh winds and prevent damage from salt or grit from nearby roads and pavements.

4. Prune Your Perennials

Even perennials such as lavender, sedum, geranium and Japanese anemone suffer during cold temperatures, so it’s best to cut them back before winter arrives. This will remove decaying material and fungal growth and prevent damage by pests and disease.

Pruning your perennials will also leave your commercial landscape looking neat and tidy. By tending to your perennials now it will ensure they return in spring in healthy shape.

5. Protect Your Pathways and Car Parks By Gritting

Pathways and uncovered car parks can become covered in ice and snow during winter months, cause issues with access to buildings and are a potential injury hazard for visitors and pedestrians.

Cracks and potholes on pathways and roads can also develop when ice and snow build up. A commercial gritting contractor will undertake all your gritting work for you to ensure your premises remains safe for all users during the cold winter months.

6. Plant Now for Next Spring

Numerous plants, shrubs, and perennials as well as bulbs including daffodils, crocus, hyacinths and tulips thrive and do well when they are planted in autumn. This allows them to bed in before temperatures plummet during colder months and fight off harmful frost.

Planting now also means they will emerge as strong and healthy plants in spring to enhance the general appearance of your commercial property.

7. Protect Your Plants and Flower Beds

If your commercial property’s landscape contains flower beds and tender plants, it is important to protect them before frost sets in or snow arrives.

It is wise to insulate tender plants from the cold weather with a layer of mulch made from dead plant material like compost, leaves, grass clippings and bark. This will also provide nutrients for the soil as the mulch slowly rots and helps to retain water to keep flowers and plants healthy.

A professional landscaping service will remove dead weeds and vegetation and put in new plants better suited to surviving the winter.

8. Protect Your Water Source

Frozen pipes and sprinklers that serve your commercial landscape can be expensive to fix when they burst. This can be avoided by taking a few simple steps to prepare for the winter months.

Make sure hoses, pipes and fountains are properly drained so they do not become damaged. All gutters should also be cleaned to prevent standing water from freezing and damaging drainage systems.

It is acceptable to water your landscape in winter until the temperature drops below 4 degrees Celsius and there is no snow cover.

9. Remove excess snow

Landscaping in winter months could involve clearing snow from your commercial property and gritting surrounding areas. This will ensure all car parks, patios and pavements near your building or office remain safe and accessible.

Planning ahead and using a professional landscape and grounds care company to remove snow and ice will minimise the risk of slips, trips and falls. If you own or manage a commercial property you could be putting yourself at risk by neglecting to ensure it is free from snow and ice.

Developing a snow removal plan will also ensure your office or commercial building remains open at all times and does not need to close while snow and ice are removed.

Can Grounds Care Group Take Care of Your Commercial Winter Landscaping?

We are a professional and respected landscaping and grounds care company providing a range of services including grounds maintenance, landscaping, gritting and environmental services to a variety of sectors. If we can help keep your commercial property looking great all year round contact us now.

The post 8 Tips for Commercial Landscaping in Winter appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

For those working in offices, connecting with the outdoors during the workday can be tricky, especially in city centres. However, there are numerous benefits to working and connecting with the outdoors during workdays for both employers and employees. Not only does it boost creativity, but it also helps to improve productivity and develop connections with other employees.

Implementing outdoor working might be as simple as having outdoor chairs, but there are so many other ways that employers can encourage wellbeing through working outdoors.

The Benefits of Working Outside

1. Space to Create

The outdoors is not only a physically greater space but it provides a wide-open area where there is no limit. The saying “the sky’s the limit” holds some actual truth, as when not confined by walls and ceilings we can think and create more.

Some of the best ideas in history haven’t been created sitting in an office conference room, they’ve been had outdoors or in places that aren’t boardrooms.

And it’s not just for those in creative roles either, those who have customer facing roles can often have better discussions in outdoor meetings, as there is room to breathe and a gentler environment to allow thinking space.

2. Stress Relief 

There have been numerous studies over the years that link spending time outdoors to stress reduction. Even spending 20 minutes a day on a ‘nature break’ can help you to reduce stress.

For those in high paced jobs, or even just those who need time every now and then to switch off, spending time outdoors is the ideal way to relieve some stress and recentre yourself before continuing with your day.

3. Improved Memory

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that going outside, no matter the time of year, actively improved memory and attention span. Short term memory was boosted by 20% when walking down a path vs an urban street. In fact, being in nature consistently showed an improvement in memory, whereas being in urban areas showed no improvement at all.

How Employers Can Introduce Outdoor Working

Make Booking Outdoor Space Possible

If you have an outdoor space that can be used for meetings, whether that’s a city centre rooftop garden, or a large decking area with a table, make this a ‘meeting room’ and allow it to be booked like you would other meeting rooms.

Obviously weather permitting, this is a simple way to show employer support for working outdoors and also introduces a secondary space for people to connect. Whether this is a 1-2-1 meeting, a kick off with a development team or even a client meeting, having an outdoor meeting space can be incredibly beneficial.

Introduce Technology

As well as providing employee technology such as laptops and headsets, you can create an internet access point and provide anti-glare screen covers to employees, which make working outdoors easy.

You can also use an internet phone solution so employees can take calls on their laptops, rather than needing to be near a wired phone at all times. Simple changes like this not only enable outdoor working at the office, but also prepare you for remote working at any point.

Create a Workable Outdoor Space

For those who currently have access to outdoor space, but perhaps have a basic table and chairs, proactive improvements to your outdoor space will make it fully ready for outdoor working and encourage it to happen.

This could be as simple as adding screening bushes to protect from the prying eyes of passers-by or creating a plant display to make a more welcoming area.

Regardless of the amount of space you have, soft landscaping creates numerous benefits. From introducing perennial plants to providing colour year-round, to considering biodiversity and creating microhabitats, these small things quickly add up to a workable and pleasant outdoor space that all employees can enjoy.

Are You Looking to Create an Outdoor Workspace?

Here at Grounds Care Group, we regularly work with facilities managers and office providers on their outdoor areas with our commercial soft landscaping and grounds maintenance services. We have experience both with urban office space and out of city business parks, covering small rooftops and large expanses of ground. Why not see how we could enhance your existing outdoor space? Get in touch.

The post How Outdoor Workspaces Help Improve Employee Wellbeing appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

At Grounds Care Group, we understand the importance of grounds maintenance and how it contributes not only to the overall appearance but also to the safety of your business. Proper maintenance can deter potential hazards and enhance the user experience for both employees and visitors.

What Is Grounds Maintenance?

Grounds maintenance can be defined as a wide variety of tasks involved in the care and maintenance of gardens or

Grounds maintenance encompasses a wide array of tasks aimed at preserving and enhancing outdoor spaces, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and visually appealing. 

This can range from simple activities like grass cutting and hedge trimming to more complex tasks such as managing drainage systems, pest control, and soil health. The ultimate goal of grounds maintenance is to uphold the aesthetic and ecological integrity of a space, contributing to both its appearance and usability.

A well-maintained landscape not only enhances the beauty of your premises but also ensures safety and functionality. For example, regular pruning prevents overgrowth from obstructing pathways, while lawn care creates inviting green spaces. 

Additionally, services such as weed control and gritting play a vital role in keeping outdoor areas safe during extreme weather conditions, reducing potential hazards and accidents.Furthermore, grounds maintenance has a broader environmental impact. By managing the health of plants, soil, and trees, maintenance teams help support local biodiversity and reduce the ecological footprint of your premises. Proper care of external spaces promotes sustainability, ensuring the landscape thrives seasonally while aligning with your company’s eco-friendly initiatives.

Different Types of Grounds Maintenance  

Grounds maintenance services encompass a broad range of tasks to keep your external spaces well-maintained, safe, and ecologically diverse. From routine upkeep to seasonal care, these services help ensure your premises are functional, attractive, and hazard-free throughout the year.

Some common types of grounds maintenance services include:

• Hedge cutting – keeps hedges trimmed and neat, enhancing the appearance of your grounds.
• Grass cutting and lawn care – regular mowing and lawn care to ensure your grass remains tidy and healthy.
• Weed control – prevents unwanted plant growth that could affect aesthetics and damage plant life.
• Pothole repair – ensures pathways and car parks remain safe for vehicles and pedestrians.
• Tree surgery – handles the trimming, cutting, or removal of trees for safety and maintenance.
• Gritting – protects roads and pathways from ice during winter, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Leaf blowing and clearance – keeps walkways and grounds free from fallen leaves, particularly in autumn.

Grass Cutting 

Leaf Clearance

Hedge Cutting & Pruning 

Weed Control

Litter Picking

Gritting

Pothole Repair

Tree Surgery

Selecting the right combination of these services is essential for keeping your premises in top condition year-round.

Whether you’re managing a large commercial space or a smaller area, your grounds maintenance contract should reflect the specific needs of your site.

How Does a Grounds Maintenance Contract Work? 

Grounds maintenance contracts will often work on a year-round contract, with a base level of services provided regardless of the time of year, and then specific services added on a one-off or seasonal basis.  

For example, a grounds maintenance contract for an office building in a business park could look like:  

What Sectors Need Grounds Maintenance? 

Most businesses that have outdoor land, even if it’s just a car park, need maintenance. However, for different sectors, the type and regularity of any maintenance will vary. For example, those in the education sector will require more intensive maintenance done during school holidays, and regular maintenance will need to be carried out during lessons to prevent any danger to students.  

Broadly speaking, to have a need for regular grounds maintenance, you will have at least one of the following:  

• Large outdoor space 
• Gardens 
• Car park 
• Sports fields and grounds 
• Pathways and cycle paths 

Sectors that particularly benefit from grounds maintenance include:

• Construction: Site maintenance, ensuring clear and safe access points.
• Facilities management: Regular upkeep of large estates and commercial properties.
• Rail: Keeping rail-side areas free from debris and overgrown vegetation.
• Office & industrial: Maintaining business parks and industrial estates.
• Retail: Ensuring car parks, pathways, and outdoor spaces are tidy for customers.
• Sports: Managing sports fields, stadiums, and recreational areas.
• Healthcare: Maintaining outdoor areas of hospitals, clinics, and care facilities.
• Education: School grounds and university campuses.
• Public sector: Local authorities managing parks, pathways, and civic spaces.

Regardless of your sector, grounds maintenance ensures a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and employees.

How Does a Grounds Maintenance Contract Change Throughout the Year? 

Ensuring your contract is flexible and adapts to your needs is key. Your contract should provide you with the right services you need for your grounds, whether it’s on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. As the seasons pass, your grounds maintenance priorities will need to change, too. A grounds maintenance contract will allow you to plan ahead, so your grounds can be well-kept all year round.  

Grounds Maintenance in Spring 

Spring is a time for new beginnings, and in grounds maintenance, it’s exactly the same. The season starts off with the continuation of winter gritting, and weed control and grass cutting begins. By the end of the season, knotweed management has begun (if necessary) and gritting has stopped.  

Grounds Maintenance in Summer 

During summer, a lot of ongoing work will need to be carried out on grounds. Pruning, grass cutting, and hedge maintenance all take a precedence in summer months, as this is when most of the growing happens.  

It’s also a chance to plant any seeds, and assess the health of any on site plants.  

Grounds Maintenance in Autumn  

Autumn time is when leaves start to fall, and as such, leaf blowing and clearance becomes an important maintenance task. This, coupled with pre-winter checks such as weather proofing, road and surface repairs, as well as planting out bulbs and cutting plants back ready for winter.  

Grounds Maintenance in Winter 

During winter season, it’s important to prepare for your gritting needs. Gritting contracts can either form part of your Winter prioritises preparing for snow and ice with gritting services. These can either be part of a yearly grounds maintenance contract or added as an extra service, depending on the contractor’s offerings. Proper gritting helps ensure that walkways, car parks, and roads remain safe and accessible. 

The Benefits of Grounds Maintenance 

Maintaining your grounds throughout the year offers more than just aesthetic appeal. It plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and sustainability across your site. Some key benefits include:

• Prevents slips and trips, reducing the risk of injury and legal liabilities
• Boosts employee wellbeing and enhances workplace morale by creating a pleasant environment
• Improves visitor experience and reinforces your business identity with a professional appearance
• Promotes ecological diversity, supporting local wildlife and natural habitats
• Reduces your carbon footprint by adopting sustainable practices for grounds care

Looking for a Reliable Grounds Maintenance Contract?

At Grounds Care Group, we understand the importance of consistent, high-quality grounds maintenance to keep your premises in top condition year-round. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, retail, or any other sector, our tailored services are designed to meet the unique demands of your outdoor spaces, ensuring they remain safe, attractive, and functional in every season.

From regular lawn care and planting to gritting and snow clearing, we cover all aspects of grounds maintenance. Our experienced team works closely with you to develop a contract that adapts to the changing needs of your business and the environment.

Get in touch with Grounds Care Group today to discuss how our comprehensive grounds maintenance services can support your business.

The post Grounds Maintenance: An Introductory Guide appeared first on Grounds Care Group.

By planting trees, companies can actively offset emissions and engage with local communities, as well as improving the local diversity of areas nearby. And, by planting tree varieties, we can increase the native wildlife of Britain and reduce groundwater in areas that are unwooded.

The Benefits of Tree Planting

1. Actively Fights Climate Change

Trees take out carbon dioxide from the air and turn it into oxygen. The Amazon rainforest has been called the “lungs of the earth” before, and it’s true. The oxygen that trees produce helps to create air quality that keeps humans and animals breathing properly.

The Woodland Trust estimates that increasing the woodland cover to at least 19% of the UK will help to meet the carbon net zero targets by 2050, as set by the UK government.

By planting in scientifically mapped areas that don’t encroach on agricultural land or land designated for native planting already, such as DEFRA’s nectar flower mix scheme, we could increase forest density by 33.82% (this figure captures the regional mean taken from Crowther Lab).

These changes would exceed targets, surpassing what the Woodland Trust estimates (set at 19%) the UK would need to meet for effective carbon reduction.

2. Flood Prevention

Floods and groundwater cause issues across the country. By increasing tree planting across the country, we can reduce groundwater and improve soil structure, all of which reduce erosion and property damage related to flooding.

As climate change increases the risk of extreme weather leading to floods, trees counteract two of these major problems.

3. Increase Native Biodiversity

From shrubs and fungi to beetles and animals, native trees help to improve local biodiversity. Native plants and trees have co-developed alongside other native species, and so they have evolved to be the best ‘host’ plant for them.

This isn’t just restricted to one type of tree either, such as oak or ash. Instead, a variety of native species creates a diverse eco-sphere. This in turn allows for species to increase their population and ensures a promising future for the UK’s wildlife.

4. Leans into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is something that all companies are involved in. The UK Companies Act of 2006 states that:

“a director of a company must act in the way …and have regard for (sic).. the impact of the company’s operations on the community and the environment”

For example, if a company is considering a landscaping and grounds maintenance service, they should partner with professionals who enhance the local landscape, rather than interfere or disrupt the wildlife. The specialists at Grounds Care Group deliver all services efficiently, taking measures to lessen our impact on the environment wherever possible, by taking extra steps, such as using eco-friendly, sustainable materials.

Tree planting is a valuable way to demonstrate your Corporate Social Responsibility. Not only is it an opportunity for community engagement, but it also meets environmental needs. Tree planting can also be a great way to boost relationships with clients and suppliers as well as the company’s profile, through demonstrating environmental care.

Case Study: Rory Butcher Offsets Race Emissions with Grounds Care Group

Rory Butcher, British Touring Car Championship Racer with Toyota, wanted to offset his emissions from travelling around the country to races, as well as the races themselves. He got in contact with Adam Brindle, CEO and Founder of Grounds Care Group, himself an avid racing fan, to discuss a tree planting scheme at racetracks across the country.

Adam and Rory calculated that 72 established native British trees needed to be planted in order to offset the carbon emissions from travelling to and from Rory’s home in Kirkcaldy to circuits. Additionally, Rory committed to planting more trees for each podium place, one for a third place, two for second and three for first place.

The first of these trees were planted at the Toyota racetrack, and more have since been planted with Silverstone being the first major circuit to take part.

Regarding the tree planting scheme, Adam Brindle said:

“Tree planting is one of our key focusses at the Grounds Care Group, so when Rory Butcher mentioned to me that he wanted to find a way to offset his carbon footprint from travelling to race events, it seemed like the natural solution. Race circuits might be best known for the ribbon of Tarmac on which the cars compete, but they also have acres of green space ripe for planting trees, which in turn will help to preserve the land for generations to come.”

He continued:

“Partnering with Rory has been amazing, and this is just the beginning of what we hope will be a long-lasting relationship. He has been so involved in this project and we are all hugely excited about embarking upon it with him. We would also like to thank Toyota GB and all the racetracks that have come on board so far.”

How Companies Can Implement Tree Planting

Tree planting is something that can’t be rushed. For these schemes to be effective, you need to choose local trees that will flourish in the right type of soil, as well as considering any risks in the local area and how a broader tree population will enhance the local landscape.

Partnering with a company like Grounds Care Group, who offer commercial tree planting services, ensures that not only are locally sourced trees from UK growers are used, but that trees are planted properly, and we can also provide ongoing maintenance contracts to ensure the trees are cared for year-round.

Get in touch today to discover how we can help.

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