STRI Group

Next week, Glenn Kirby, Research Director, and Greg Whately, Principal Technical Consultant will speak at the @ets_turfgrass Conference. 📆 When? 22nd-24th April 📍 Where? Athens Greg will be discussing multi-use stadia, and the growing challenge of balancing an increase in multiple uses with maintaining high-performing playing surfaces. Glenn will be presenting on the critical role of light in turf performance, exploring how photosynthesis underpins growth and why understanding light is key to meeting the increasing demands placed on modern surfaces. We're looking forward to a great event and some insightful discussions, some of which are hosted by our very own Principal Scientist Christian Spring.

@GlennKirby spoke at the @SGLsystem & @ICL_Turf Growing Solutions UK & Ireland: Industry Insights conference at Hampden Park yesterday, discussing the critical role of light in turf performance. The day focused on pitch management, sustainability, and the latest innovations, with excellent conversations throughout.

As the demands on pitches continue to evolve, data-led insight is becoming increasingly important in understanding performance, improving consistency and supporting decision-making at every level of the game. Combining scientific research with real-world application sits at the core of what we do helping to deliver surfaces that perform, adapt and stand up to the pressures of modern sport. We caught up with Toby Lumsden, Senior Sportsfield Design Consultant for @STRI_Australia to discuss 'can data shape the future of cricket?' Read more here: striaustralia.com.au/2026/02/20/can…

We're looking forward to attending next week and catching up with new and old industry colleagues. @GlennKirby will be speaking on all things research - see you there!

Great to see @striturf_greg and Sam Swires representing STRI at The @premierleague Grounds Teams meeting, hosted at @DysonFarming this week. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers and share insight into the real challenges facing the sector, from weather and increased pitch usage to rising costs and staff pressures. The day also placed a strong focus on training and development, with the Grounds Management Association leading sessions around pitch management and supporting grounds teams to continue delivering at the highest level. A highlight was seeing the overlap between agricultural and sports turf research. Like Dyson Farming, STRI’s approach is rooted in scientific testing and data-led insight which leads us to create more resilient, efficient and high-performing surfaces. A big thank you to Adam Kaliniecki and Sarah Young at the Premier League for organising such a valuable event.

We’re delighted to have had Luke Gawthorp, Senior Designer, and Ian Lacy, Senior Consultant, attending the Coliseum Sports Venue Alliance Summit Europe 2026 at Fulham Pier in London last week. It’s been a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas and gain valuable insights from speakers across the day. Bringing together leading stadiums, arenas and clubs, the event is a great platform for collaboration and we’re happy to be part of the conversation. #ColiseumSummitEurope2026

All week we've been highlighting the work our incredible grounds team delivers for our clients and the industry, and last but not least, we're shining our final spotlight on Head Groundsman Ross Normington. Joining in 2018, Ross started as an apprentice groundsman for a golf course and through shadowing his seniors and putting in the hours, he moved up the ranks to where he is today.  Ross shared his journey last year for #Groundsweek, and describes why he claims, ‘being outside is the best office in the world’. WATCH HERE: youtube.com/watch?v=V1MC0_…

The penultimate duo joining the set this week, we're shining the spotlight on Curtis Smithurst and Matthew Hobbs. Alongside the team, they work across eight hectares of land which needs to be strategically and expertly managed, with some trials lasting years for our clients, continuous care and attention to the plots is required throughout the seasons. Our team is unrivalled in their scientific knowledge of the biology, construction, care and maintenance of sports surfaces, and we're delighted to be celebrating them. #Groundsweek @wearetheGMA

It’s #GroundsWeek and we’re proud to be showcasing the individuals who make up our grounds team, as part of the national campaign celebrating the expertise and professionalism across the industry. We're looking forward to sharing the squad behind the science. Up first, Christian Martindale, Groundsperson at STRI HQ. Working in the industry for over 28 years, Christian is a key member of the team who works closely with the team, maintaining our trials ground to ensure best conditions for research clients, including product testing, grass testing. Christian brings a wealth of relevant experience and a strong foundation in horticulture to the role, and we're delighted to have him on the team. @wearetheGMA

We had a fantastic day at the @wearetheGMA conference at @Edgbaston Stadium, home of Warwickshire County Cricket Club. It was great to see catch up with old and new friends, listen to the insightful presentations alongside the brilliant host @MarkClemmit and network with industry professionals. Thanks to the team at GMA for organising.

With the #CheltenhamFestival underway and the racing taking centre stage, it's crucial to remember the importance of safe and consistent surfaces. Gallops play a vital role in preparing racehorses for competition. Maintaining them requires a combination of technical knowledge, practical skill and a deep understanding of how surfaces influence performance and safety. We've been working closely with the @WelfareBoard to develop a training course on gallops maintenance at training facilities. Developed with industry expertise, funded by the The Racing Foundation and with insights from The Jockey Club Estates, the programme helps yard staff better understand surface composition, maintenance techniques and equipment used to keep training gallops performing at their best. At STRI, we're keen to support the sharing of best practice across racing surfaces, helping ensure the welfare of horses and riders while maintaining high-performance training environments. Watch the video below to hear more about how improved skills and knowledge in gallops maintenance are helping to raise standards across the industry, featuring our very own Sarah Hosmer. youtube.com/watch?si=Uzhuj…

@GlennKirby is on tour! Speaking at the upcoming @BIGGALtd conferences across the UK, starting in Yorkshire, Glenn will be discussing 'Mowing in frost', the focus of one of STRI's current in-house trials. 3rd March - BIGGA Sectional Education Day - Yorkshire & Sheffield 4th March - BIGGA Sectional Education Day - North West & North Wales 18th March - BIGGA Sectional Education Day - North East & Cleveland View the events here: bigga.org.uk/event-listing.… We look forward to seeing you there.

BASIS training dates 2026 dates are out now 📢 At STRI, education and knowledge-sharing sit at the centre of everything we do, and there really is no better place to learn alongside the experts. BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection in Amenity Horticulture (Turf or Hard surface skill modules) Teaching dates (9 day course): 5-9 October 2026 and 2-5 November 2026 Online written exam: 7 December 2026 ID test: 8 December 2026 Vivas: 9 December 2026 FACTS Turf Teaching dates: 20-23 October 2026 Online written exams: 10 December 2026 Viva: 11 December 2026 BASIS Foundation in Amenity Horticulture Teaching dates: 23-25 November 2026 Online exam: 30 November 2026 All courses are hosted at our Bingley HQ, so delegates can receive hands on experience on on our trials grounds. Email - enquiries@strigroup.com to book your place. Find out more here - strigroup.com/basis-and-fact… #BASIS

Last weekend we were delighted to be part of an outstanding @TheSaudiCup 2026 at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. It was a pleasure to work alongside the Jockey Club of Saudi Arabia (JCSA) once again for this event, and with excellent feedback on the performance of the track, it has been a fantastic few days and shines a spotlight on the technical work carried out by our team. Saudi Cup week was particularly significant this year, coinciding with the 41st Asian Racing Federation Conference, which brought together racing authorities, technical specialists and industry leaders from across the global racing community. STRI’s Colin Lyons and Sarah Hosmer attended the conference, reconnecting with long-standing collaborators and meeting new colleagues across the industry. Thank you again for all the hard work everyone contributed to achieve the high standards required for such an elite event. #TheSaudiCup

As Ramadan begins, we’d like to wish all those observing a peaceful and meaningful month. May this time bring reflection, wellbeing and connection with family, friends and community. Ramadan Mubarak. #Ramadan2026

We are looking for a groundsperson to join the trials team at our seven hectare sports turf research site. This is a turf role with a difference, preparing turf for research, trials and innovation. Sometimes that means producing high-quality turf. Sometimes it means stressing it, challenging it… and even killing it (and getting thanked for it). Apply if you're keen to pursue a role with a focus on a positive work/life balance which has often opportunities to develop into the wider business. To find out more and apply, click the link here: strigroup.com/job/groundsper…