A new project sees the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera) collaborating with other UK scientists and industry partners to improve national biosecurity. The Fera-led project will help protect plants and trees by developing better methods for detecting the growing number of alien pests and diseases which threaten the UK. These are currently identified by trained inspectors carrying out visual inspections of imported plants and products. However, given the sheer volume of inspections required and the fact that symptoms are often not present, this is a very difficult task to perform effectively. The project aims to provide better methods for detecting tree pests and pathogens, both moving through trade and the wider environment. It will look at new technologies for detecting changes in infected plants using either ‘sniffer’ technology, to identify volatile chemicals emitted by pests or diseased plants. Or hyper-spectral imaging techniques that can detect changes in infected plants beyond the range of human vision. The researchers will also look at developing new traps for capturing insects and DNA-based detection approaches to detecting and identifying pathogens in the environment; both known ones and new threats. A key feature of the project is that it is interdisciplinary, with social researchers, modellers and economists working alongside scientists and engineers to deliver effective solutions to help a range of end-users in their hunt for plant health threats. Fera will be working alongside the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Forest Research, James Hutton Institute, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories, and the Universities of Aberdeen, Oxford, Exeter, Greenwich, Hertfordshire, St. Andrews and Worcester. Website: http://www.fera.defra.gov.uk
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Fusion Media posted a blog post
Replay Group has appointed James Kimmings as its new Digital and Online Analyst, reinforcing the company's commitment to growing its digital presence and supporting its continued expansion. James joins Replay after almost four years at Pitchcare,…
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Wednesday
Adam Woods replied to Peter sellers's discussion Cordless drill
"THe Aldi and Lidl ranges are good, I havent used their drills, but lots of other battery tools, they work well, and have a battery that can be used in different things in the range.
Theyve also been through the companies German QC processes
 "
Wednesday
Adam Woods replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"I used to have an 8' 3 leg adjustable when I had the business.... I added a 4' NIwaki a year or so later.... I didnt have any hedges that needed anything higher - I still have the 4', its invaluable"
Wednesday
Fusion Media posted a blog post
Redexim is pleased to announce the launch of the Sandstorm. The Sandstorm is a self-powered topdresser that works without a tractor or hydraulic connection. Simply hitch it to a utility vehicle and spread. It has a 28 ft³ (800 L) capacity and can…
Wednesday
Geoffrey King replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"Of course they are more akward to carry, but using a regular ladder now feels preposterous.
I thought long and hard about tripod ladders before getting the 12 ft one over 10 years ago.
Well one clear advantage they have, they stand up by themselves.…"
Wednesday
Honey Badger replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"Last year a customer asked me to give him a price to clip over his 18ft tall holly shrub he offered use of his extention ladder so. My reply was 'No that's what the young and the stupid do and I am neither'. Made him laugh.
All ladders are dangerous…"
Tuesday
Graham Taylor replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"I just use an ordinary extending 2 piece ladder with a 6' plank across the top which stops it falling into the hedge..........  never seem to have a problem   These tripod ladders certainly look impressive but they look a right pain to lug about,…"
Tuesday
Chris Hutchings is now a member of Landscape Juice Network
Tuesday
Geoffrey King replied to Tim Wallach's discussion Tripod ladder user? Your advice sought please!
"I have a 12ft & 8ft , the 8ft has been really useful especially for picking fruit & pruning fruit trees
The photo shows some one  using the ladder unsafely
Firstly he looks right handed, therefore the ladder should be place the other way around with…"
Tuesday
Fusion Media posted a blog post
One of the most popular attractions at GroundsFest is set to return with lawn mower racing taking place across both days of the event.                                                                                                       Sponsored by…
Tuesday
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TurfTech 2026 is set to be the biggest edition yet, with growing industry support, increasing visitor numbers, and an expanded line-up of partners ahead of this year's event on 1 and 2 October at the American Express Stadium in Brighton.TurfTech…
Monday
Sam Bainbridge replied to Neil Darby's discussion Stiga 955
"Maybe this is a sign to pick your own way forwards, I rate stiga and mountfield as crappy homeowner mowers (from experience of 15yrs). Wheeled mowers I'd never ever buy anything other than an etesia, roller mowers always honda with a high lift…"
Monday
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Cordless drill

Now in retirement mode so dug out my old cordless drill that was bought from Argos a long time sgo for £10 to start all those jobs that have been put off. Its dead but to be fair has been used extensively for fencing jobs.Just need something simple…

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5 Replies · Reply by Adam Woods on Wednesday
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8 Replies · Reply by Adam Woods Jun 16
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