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Martin Towsey 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.
Read the shortlist here.
What was your journey into the horticulture industry?
39 years in horticulture from the age of 16 – Nottingham city council apprentice, horticultural technician at Brackenhurst Collage, lectured in horticulture and head of park and gardens Brackenhurst site Nottingham tent University. I’m now estates garden manager for the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, looking after the horticulture of The Bedford estates, Woburn abbey, Woburn safari park, Woburn golf club amenity areas, Woburn village, London Estate.
What have been some highlights?
The incredible apprenticeship I had, being winner of the HortWeek Custodian Awards in 2017, and of course my current role.
What would you say are your areas of expertise?
Practical hands on management of team and projects, making things happen, as well as smart tech and machinery.
What is your fantasy future horticultural innovation?
Wearable work based smart tech for plant health, soil health data, and project management. An electric blower that can blow like a petrol blower and last all day!
What are you most looking forward to at GroundsFest as a visitor?
The hands-on demos the feeling it is a festival for the staff to engage in.
