Leading a greener future
call us now on
01257 460461
Leading a greener future
At Glendale, we understand the unique demands and critical nature of airport grounds maintenance. Our skilled team specialises in providing superior airfield grounds maintenance services that ensure the safety, beauty, and functionality of your airport environment.
Many of the bigger contracts we’ve been awarded have been maintaining the grounds at airports. Because of the many acres of grass that airfields have, airport grounds maintenance requires a team of highly skilled grounds operatives to ensure every inch of grass is cut to the appropriate length and every shrub, plant or tree is taken care of. Because of our experience, dedication and expertise, Glendale manages the grounds of many well-known airports such as Gatwick, Heathrow, and City Airport.
We don’t just take care of the airfield grass though, we also complete bedding services, floral displays and much more, making sure that the airports look great for visitors, as well as being safe, neat and adding more eco-friendly green spaces to the environment.
The grass at airports plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of aircraft operations, far beyond what meets the eye. It serves as an essential deterrent to wildlife, particularly birds, which can pose significant risks to aircraft. The carefully maintained grass length discourages birds and other animals from nesting or foraging, reducing the potential for dangerous wildlife strikes. Moreover, the grass assists in water absorption and drainage, preventing the pooling of water on runways which can cause hydroplaning during take-off and landing. Additionally, well-kept grass aids in the dispersal of jet blast, mitigating potential hazards. In the event of an aircraft overshooting the runway, the surrounding grass can provide a degree of friction, slowing down the aircraft and reducing the severity of the incident. As you can see, airport grass management is an indispensable facet of airfield safety protocols, contributing to safer take-offs, landings, and overall aircraft operations.
Glendale follows the best practices and guidelines of CAP 772 when carrying out our grounds maintenance services for airfields. CAP 772 is a guideline for an effective bird control management plan for aerodrome operators, all of our team members are well-versed in this set of guidelines produced by the Civil Aviation Authority and are thoroughly trained in the identification and management of potential wildlife attractants, with grass management playing a key role in this, as well as safeguarding systems and plenty more.
Glendale also works closely with airport authorities to develop and implement a site-specific Wildlife Hazard Management Plan, taking into account the unique factors of each airport we serve, as the bird species for each airport will be different, therefore needing different strategies. By strictly adhering to CAP 772, we contribute to reducing the risk of wildlife strikes, reinforcing the safety of airport operations.
Because of how integral the turf is to the safety and efficiency of airport operations; it requires precise management and meticulous care. Glendale’s airport turf maintenance services meet and exceed these requirements.
To keep your turf to the perfect length, our skilled team operates advanced machinery and is guided by industry best practices, offering a comprehensive solution that keeps your airport turf in optimal condition.
Our team consists of airside licensed drivers, trained to navigate the unique terrain and adhere to the stringent safety regulations of airport environments. These drivers are proficient in operating our fleet of vehicles and machinery in compliance with airfield traffic rules, maintaining constant communication with airport control, and responding swiftly and appropriately to changing conditions or emergencies. This specialised licensing contributes to the efficiency of our operations, minimising disruption to airport activities while ensuring the safety of all airport users.
Our expertise extends beyond basic grass cutting. We are also adept at identifying and addressing potential issues such as pests, diseases, and drainage problems. In short, we manage every aspect of airport turf maintenance to ensure the smooth running of your airfield. Below is a picture of a Glendale team member mowing attenuation ponds at Gatwick.
Our horticultural experts design and create vibrant floral displays, contributing to a positive first impression for visitors. We also provide a range of bedding services that include planting, maintaining, and rejuvenating flower beds and other green spaces. All our services are delivered with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to sustainability.
If you’ve ever taken a trip to, or passed through, one of the UK’s largest airports, Gatwick, you’ve probably seen their “Welcome” bedding display, this is maintained by our fantastic team. This bedding display provides a fantastic welcome to new visitors or people returning home, it looks even better when you’re up in the air!
If you’re looking for a company to manage your airport’s grass and grounds, you’ve come to the right place. Who’s best to become your airfield grounds maintenance partner other than the company that maintains the UK’s biggest and busiest airport? After previously working with London’s Heathrow in 2005, we won the contract to maintain the biggest airport in the UK again in 2021. The airport covers an area of 1,227 hectares and has two runways with four terminals (2-5). With 80 million passengers visiting the airport in 2018, Heathrow is crowned not just the biggest and busiest airport in the whole of the UK but also makes it into the top 10 busiest airports in the world.
The works we complete for Heathrow include regular grounds maintenance comprising grass cutting, shrub bed maintenance, weed control, hedge maintenance, maintenance of the conservation areas, woodland management, river maintenance, reinstatement work, planting, and the green walls at Terminal 5. The contract also includes any other ad-hoc services that may be necessary to maintain the areas of land across the Heathrow estate.
Our team is professional, dedicated, skilled and has a keen eye for detail. When it comes to the work we do, everything has to be done right and to the highest possible standards. Make sure to get in contact with us if you’re interested in our airfields grounds maintenance.