The Turfgrass Growers’ Association (TGA) has written to the Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, urging him to utilise the benefits of turf in alleviating the effects of climate change, following the publication of his draft London Climate Change Adaptation Strategy.

The association which represents more than 70 turf growers and affiliated companies, collectively responsible for more than 70% of the UK’s cultivated turf production, stresses that turf can help mitigate the effects of flooding, extreme temperatures and drought, which were the primary environmental concerns highlighted in the publication.

In addition to recommending turf as the ideal medium for reducing environmental contamination, the letter highlights its ability to reduce rainwater run-off and subsequent surface flooding, to absorb rainwater and replenish underground aquifers and to cool the urban environment during hot weather.

The association also voiced support for Mr Johnson’s proposal to lead an ‘urban greening programme’, calling on him to make green spaces “integral in the design of all new developments, not just an afterthought”. TGA Chief Executive Tim Mudge commented: “It is important that the lead for this vision comes from the top and that it is supported by an able and willing industry. We feel that TGA members are best placed to implement the best quality turf to help improve the environmental conditions in London and other major cities.”

Stand bookings are now being taken for the 2009 TGA Turf Show which will be held at Q Lawns on Wednesday 24th June.

The biennial event is the only opportunity for turf industry companies to exhibit their products and machinery to UK turf producers. In recent years, it has also attracted growers from France, Italy, Ireland, Turkey, Finland, Germany and Spain.

Stand space is available from £500, with affiliate members of the TGA receiving a discount on their booking. Machinery demonstrations run throughout the day and companies with mowers, turf harvesters and cultivation and handling equipment can also book demonstration areas on turf or hard ground.

Turf industry companies visited the Q Lawns site in Norfolk on 17th September to tour the site and discuss the layout and show programme. Chief Executive Tim Mudge was pleased with the turnout.

“A good number of company representatives attended to view the site. Everyone was pleased with the layout and with the facilities on-site and we’ve already taken a number of stand and sponsorship bookings. We’re more focused than ever on getting as many growers as we can to the 2009 show, members and non-members, and I’m confident it will be the best yet.”

To obtain details of stand and sponsorship opportunities, please call Joanna Lazell at the TGA office on 01507 607722 or email joanna.lazell@pvga.co.uk.