East Anglia Regional AGM Event

The Committee is delighted to invite you to a behind-the-scenes tour of the grounds at Ipswich FC, led by Matthew Amos, with Ben Connell, the club’s experienced Grounds Manager, also in attendance to talk in more detail about the pitch and its maintenance.

With over 11 years at the club, Ben oversees all grounds operations – including the stadium pitch and 15 training pitches. His extensive expertise is supported by a strong academic background in Turf Management and Plant Science, as well as previous experience at the Lawn Tennis Association.

You will also hear from Event Sponsors Green-Tech, about their new Mona Pluvia Irrigation innovation as well as from Russell Ball, founder of the charity Fund4Trees.

There will be plenty of opportunity for networking over refreshments and lunch so make sure to book your tickets.

Schedule on the day

10:30am – 11:00am Arrival

11:00am – 12:00pm - Grounds Tour

12:00pm – 12:15pm - Networking & Refreshments

12:15pm -1:00pm – Regional AGM & BALI presentation from BALI CEO, Wayne Grills

1:00pm – 1:45pm – Lunch & Networking

1:45pm – 2:15pm  Russell Ball, Fund4Trees charity – ‘National Urban Tree Establishment Campaign’

2:15pm – 2:45pm – Seraya Sigsworth, Green-Tech - Mona Pluvia irrigation innovation

2:45pm – 3:00pm Networking & Departure

Russell Ball, Founder, Fund4Trees – talk on ‘National Urban Tree Establishment Campaign’

Russell Ball, graduated Botanist, chartered Biologist and the founder of the Fund4Trees charity, will deliver his talk about the “National Urban Tree Establishment Campaign” highlighting the need, supporting research including technical, cultural and operational ways to achieve successful tree establishment.

Within the UK, 60% of our newly planted trees suffer drought-stress, strangulation by constricting ties or are damaged by strimmer/mowers.   This Campaign is very much needed.  
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Seraya Sigsworth, Head of Blue Green Infrastructure – talk on Mona Pluvia irrigation innovation

The upgraded Mona Subterranean Irrigation System now includes smart technology that futureproofs a proven irrigation method for a changing climate.

Mona Pluvia collects and reuses rainwater and stormwater in urban areas, directing it to where it’s needed most — the plant’s roots. A sensor-controlled pump activates only when levels are low, automatically refilling the yellow Mona tanks with harvested rainwater.

By working with the plant’s natural feeding cycle and capturing water that would normally enter the drainage network, Mona Pluvia reduces water waste and supports long-term, sustainable irrigation in urban landscapes.

Seraya Sigsworth is Head of Blue Green Infrastructure, bringing in over seven years’ experience in the water industry. She has collaborated with engineers, landscape architects, local authorities, utilities and policymakers to design and consult on complex urban greening. Her work addresses the unique challenges of creating greener and more resilient cities through innovative, nature-based solutions. Passionate about combating climate change, Seraya champions approaches that boost biodiversity, enhance community well-being and reduce flood risk through rainwater reuse and sustainable water strategies. Her combination of technical insight, collaboration and environmental commitment makes her a trusted partner in delivering impactful future-ready urban solutions.