The British grower Thanet Earth, a collaboration between Fresca and A&A Growers, installed over 3,000 insect netting filters in the first quarter of this year. The greenhouse company, founded in the United Kingdom by several Dutch growers, selected SchermNed's insect netting filter system.
The greenhouse where the insect netting has been installed is used for cucumber cultivation. Initially, Arjan de Gier of A&A Growers, director of the cucumber operations at Thanet Earth, chose to equip one six-hectare greenhouse with insect netting. Within the existing greenhouse structure, the filter system proved to be the only technically feasible solution. "Our insect netting filter system does not require any modifications to the ventilation system, such as rack-and-pinion systems or motors. In addition, it offers a favourable investment level and results in minimal airflow reduction," explains Carl Stougie, advisor at SchermNed. "In this greenhouse, where climate control is particularly important, it is essential to maintain maximum ventilation capacity. That is exactly what our system enables."
© SchermNed
Marc van der Knaap (SchermNed) with Arjan de Gier (Thanet Earth)
A phased customisation process
To ensure a perfect fit within the existing structure, project supervisor Marc van der Knaap was involved at key stages of the project. During his initial visit to the Thanet Earth site in Birchington, all dimensions were carefully measured. Based on these measurements, test nets were developed. These test nets were subsequently installed to verify whether the insect netting filters aligned precisely with the greenhouse structure and ventilation windows. After several minor adjustments, the full order was approved for production. To gain insight into the performance and experiences of other growers who have been using this specific type of filter system for several years, the Thanet Earth team visited a reference project in the Netherlands.
Installation by the growers own team
The installation was carried out by Thanet Earth's own installation team. To support an efficient and smooth process, SchermNed provided a clear installation manual, a dedicated instruction video and direct access to the project supervisor for technical support. "With this support, the installation team was able to work independently, while we remained available in the background to provide guidance and assistance where needed," says Marc. The insect netting filter system was delivered in week 3.
At the start of the installation, SchermNed's project supervisor was present on site to assist the local team. "We deliver a high-quality system, but we also support our customers in ensuring correct installation," adds Carl. For this reason, SchermNed has recently taken further steps in optimising its project preparation process, increasingly using modern tools such as installation videos and 3D visualisations. After completion of the installation, Marc revisited the project to inspect the final result. Jack van der Voort, owner of the family business SchermNed, also attended this visit, reflecting both his personal interest in the project and the long-standing relationship with Thanet Earth since 2008.
Initial practical experiences
As the system has been installed recently, it is still too early in the season to draw definitive conclusions. To date, no insects have been observed inside the greenhouse. In addition to insect control, the system contributes, according to the grower, to a reduced use of crop protection products and supports more stable production. The insect netting is designed to prevent the entry of moths and caterpillars, bugs, aphids and whiteflies. Jack: "We look back on a successful delivery project of our insect netting filter system, in which the grower, with our support, achieved both an efficient and high-quality installation."
Following earlier projects in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Spain and Saudi Arabia, this marks another strong project in the United Kingdom. "It represents a further step in increasing the international recognition of our insect netting filter system."
For more information:
SchermNed B.V.
Screen installations and insect screens
Tel.: +31 (0)174 62 22 14
[email protected]
www.schermned.nl
