The GroundsFest Academy

Free Education for the Industry
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About The GroundsFest Academy

Upskill and empower yourself with free, hands-on training at GroundsFest Academy
The GroundsFest Academy is an exciting educational initiative designed for professionals in the groundscare and landscaping industries. With expert-led sessions and real-world learning, it’s your chance to gain skills, discover new techniques, and connect with industry leaders—all for free

What to Expect

Live Training & Workshops

Practical, real-world sessions designed to build and refine your skills.

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Expert-Led Talks

Gain insights from industry leaders, manufacturers, and specialists.

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Hands-On Demonstrations

Get up close and personal with the latest tools, technology, and techniques.

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Career Development

Elevate your career with CPD-accredited sessions and industry-recognised training.

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Who is it For?

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Students & Apprentices Kickstart your career with real-world knowledge and hands-on experience.
🏡
Landscapers & Gardeners Learn new skills and refine techniques.
🏟️
Groundscare Professionals Stay updated on best practices and cutting-edge solutions.
🏌️‍♂️
Sports Turf Managers Discover innovations for pitches and playing surfaces.
🌳
Arborists & Tree Care Specialists Enhance your expertise with hands-on training.
⛳
Greenkeeping Enhance your greenkeeping knowledge.
🙋🏻‍♂️
Volunteers Learn best practices and techniques from professionals.

Our Next Events

FULLY BOOKED

Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels

  • Tuesday, 24th March 2026
  • 09:00 – 15:30
  • Sandmartin House Oak Tree Lane Mansfield NG18 4LF
This free GroundsFest Academy event, delivered in partnership with Mansfield Sand, offers a practical, end-to-end look at sands, soils and rootzones used across natural turf sports surfaces. From understanding where sand comes from and why its shape and grading matter, through to specification, performance and common mistakes, the day is designed to build confidence in material selection and surface construction. Includes a behind-the-scenes quarry tour!

FREE TO ATTEND

Irrigation: Preparing for the season

  • Wednesday, 15th April 2026
  • 09:00 - 15:30
  • Foregolf, Deeside Ln, Sealand Rd, Sealand, Chester CH1 6BP
This comprehensive irrigation seminar is designed to help delegates prepare their irrigation systems for the season ahead with confidence. Combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on sessions, the day will cover everything from pre-season inspections and diagnostics to sprinkler uniformity, water efficiency and smart controller technology. Attendees will gain practical knowledge, improve fault-finding skills, and leave with a clearer understanding of how to optimise system performance, conserve water and maintain healthy, high-quality turf.
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FREE TO ATTEND

Synthetic Surface Maintenance: Best Practice

  • Wednesday 13th May 2026
  • 09:00 - 15:30
  • Wiltshire FA, Green Lane Playing Fields, Green Lane, Devizes SN10 5EP
Focused on the complete lifecycle of synthetic surfaces, this event brings together planning, construction, and maintenance considerations ahead of peak seasonal use. Attendees will gain practical insight into getting the best performance and value from their surface year after year.
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FREE TO ATTEND

Preparing Surfaces for Sports

  • Tuesday June 23rd 2026
  • 09:00 - 15:30
  • Home Park Stadium, Mayflower Dr, Plymouth PL2 3DQ
This hands-on day brings together leading industry experts to deliver practical insight into pitch preparation, line marking accuracy, robotic mowing technology, equipment selection and safe storage. Combining classroom learning with live demonstrations and a facilities tour, the event is designed to give grounds professionals the knowledge and confidence to prepare high-quality, safe playing surfaces ahead of the season.
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FREE TO ATTEND

Integrated Weed Management

  • uesday 21st July 2026
  • 09:00 - 15:30
  • Loughborough Grammar School, Quorn Playing Fields - LE12 8AJ

This free event introduces participants to the latest advancements in Integrated weed management: guidance, funding and chemical alternatives. Sessions include hands-on demos, expert talks, and training opportunities in partnership with Kersten UK, Terrazza MC, Block Blitz and Lantra.

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Secure Your Free Place Today!

Choose your course, fill in your details, and start your learning journey at GroundsFest Academy!

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Partners

The GroundsFest Academy would not be possible without the support of our partners. Please see a list below of all the industry partners we have worked with so far.

Sustainability Assessment | GroundsFest
Professional Audit

Assessing Sustainable Practice in your Organisation

While sustainability is now a core requirement in the amenity sector, knowing which steps to take can be uncertain. Many organisations are already practicing sustainability without even realizing it.

What this tool helps you achieve:

  • ✔ Assess how well your organisation is doing already.
  • ✔ Identify what more can be done with current resources.
  • ✔ Discover the skills and information available to you.
START ASSESSMENT

Estimated time: 5-10 minutes

Expert Collaboration

This tool has been produced by GroundsFest Academy with input and advice from John Moverley OBE.

John Moverley OBE

A leading voice in the amenity industry, John is an elected Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Societies and holds honorary Fellowships from the University of Central Lancashire and Myerscough College.

HONOURED WITH AN OBE IN 2004

Join Us at GroundsFest 2026!

The GroundsFest Academy will be a key part of GroundsFest 2025, bringing education, innovation, and hands-on learning to the heart of the industry. Don’t miss out!

Visit the GroundsFest website
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