About The GroundsFest Academy
Upskill and empower yourself with free, hands-on training at GroundsFest Academy
The GroundsFest Academy is an exciting educational initiative designed for professionals in the groundscare and landscaping industries. With expert-led sessions and real-world learning, it’s your chance to gain skills, discover new techniques, and connect with industry leaders—all for free
What to Expect
Who is it For?
Students & Apprentices Kickstart your career with real-world knowledge and hands-on experience.
Landscapers & Gardeners
Learn new skills and refine techniques.
Groundscare Professionals
Stay updated on best practices and cutting-edge solutions.
Sports Turf Managers
Discover innovations for pitches and playing surfaces.
Arborists & Tree Care Specialists
Enhance your expertise with hands-on training.
Greenkeeping
Enhance your greenkeeping knowledge.
Volunteers
Learn best practices and techniques from professionals.
Our Next Events
Understanding Profiles: Sands, Soils, Rootzones and Gravels
- Tuesday, 24th March 2026
- 09:00 – 15:30
- Sandmartin House Oak Tree Lane Mansfield NG18 4LF
This free GroundsFest Academy event, delivered in partnership with Mansfield Sand, offers a practical, end-to-end look at sands, soils and rootzones used across natural turf sports surfaces. From understanding where sand comes from and why its shape and grading matter, through to specification, performance and common mistakes, the day is designed to build confidence in material selection and surface construction. Includes a behind-the-scenes quarry tour!
Irrigation: Preparing for the season
- Wednesday, 15th April 2026
- 09:00 - 15:30
- Foregolf, Deeside Ln, Sealand Rd, Sealand, Chester CH1 6BP
This comprehensive irrigation seminar is designed to help delegates prepare their irrigation systems for the season ahead with confidence. Combining classroom learning with practical, hands-on sessions, the day will cover everything from pre-season inspections and diagnostics to sprinkler uniformity, water efficiency and smart controller technology. Attendees will gain practical knowledge, improve fault-finding skills, and leave with a clearer understanding of how to optimise system performance, conserve water and maintain healthy, high-quality turf.
Synthetic Surface Maintenance: Best Practice
- Wednesday 13th May 2026
- 09:00 - 15:30
- Wiltshire FA, Green Lane Playing Fields, Green Lane, Devizes SN10 5EP
Focused on the complete lifecycle of synthetic surfaces, this event brings together planning, construction, and maintenance considerations ahead of peak seasonal use. Attendees will gain practical insight into getting the best performance and value from their surface year after year.
Preparing Surfaces for Sports
- Tuesday June 23rd 2026
- 09:00 - 15:30
- Home Park Stadium, Mayflower Dr, Plymouth PL2 3DQ
This hands-on day brings together leading industry experts to deliver practical insight into pitch preparation, line marking accuracy, robotic mowing technology, equipment selection and safe storage. Combining classroom learning with live demonstrations and a facilities tour, the event is designed to give grounds professionals the knowledge and confidence to prepare high-quality, safe playing surfaces ahead of the season.
Secure Your Free Place Today!
Choose your course, fill in your details, and start your learning journey at GroundsFest Academy!
Partners
The GroundsFest Academy would not be possible without the support of our partners. Please see a list below of all the industry partners we have worked with so far.
Join Us at GroundsFest 2026!
The GroundsFest Academy will be a key part of GroundsFest 2025, bringing education, innovation, and hands-on learning to the heart of the industry. Don’t miss out!