Marcus Forster will be judging the GroundsFest Innovation Awards which celebrate excellence and innovation across landscaping, amenity management, turf care and related industries.
The winners will be selected on day one of the event (9 September) and celebrated on the same day with champagne courtesy of GroundsFest at 3pm in the HortWeek seminar area (Hall 3). The awards are sponsored by Cramer and Bosch.
See the shortlist here.
What was your journey into the horticulture industry?
Gardening has always been a part of my life, with both my parents and grandparents being enthusiastic gardeners. Although I initially pursued computer science, I eventually followed in the footsteps of my father and grandfather by becoming a racecourse groundsman. After a decade in that industry, I transitioned into the ornamental horticulture sector, managing large private estates. This experience later led me to an internal consultancy position with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
What have been some career highlights over those years?
Meeting Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of a new veterans’ housing development, which featured a memorial garden I designed during my time with Haig Housing Trust, receiving my Chartership from the Chartered Institute of Horticulture and leading the implementation of a global tree management system at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
What would you say are your areas of expertise?
I consider myself a generalist, with a strong focus on machinery, turf management, and arboriculture.
What is your fantasy future horticultural innovation?
Geofencing to control the movement of pests, diseases, and pathogens – either to contain or exclude them.
What are you most looking forward to at GroundsFest as a visitor?
This will be my first time attending the show, as I’ve been overseas in previous years, but everyone I’ve spoken to who’s been says it’s fantastic. I am looking forward to finally being part of such a great and growing event, seeing new and emerging technologies in the industry and connecting with new contacts.
