Landscape News Spring 2023

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Bloc Designers Lars Tornøe & Atle Tveit

National Chair’s Welcome

DEAR MEMBERS

As we enter a new membership year, I would like to reinforce the commitment I made to you when I became National Chair to ensure the Association continues to support you at both a local and national level. We all continue to work within an environment of increased costs in much of the supply chain, recruitment shortages and cost of living rises that continue to challenge us. We are better together trying to navigate these issues and I am looking forward to ensuring your membership can provide the invaluable insight and support you have come to expect.

The Skills for Greener Places research undertaken by the Landscape Institute, supported by BALI and other industry bodies, has highlighted some significant challenges we face as an industry. Many of the findings will not have been a surprise to some within the industry. This gives us all an opportunity, including the need to address entry routes into landscaping and the development of a diverse pipeline of talent. You can read a summary of the research on page 40.

Addressing the issues highlighted in the report will be a marathon, not a sprint, but I am proud that the Association has already focussed on positively supporting some of the key issues, including diversity, led by Board members Adrian and Tessa, and the continuing work of the GoLandsape Ambassadors to promote landscaping as a career to school leavers and career changers.

Continuing the themes of talent and diversity, this Spring issue of Landscape News sees Ashley Edwards, Head Gardener for Horatio’s Garden London and South East, and BALI Equity Ambassador talking about his rewarding career inspiring those who have undergone life-changing spinal injuries. Ashley could embolden all of us to consider joining Disability Confident and making our own businesses as accessible as possible. There are many roles where we could consider more people and offer a rewarding career path for those who perhaps haven’t considered landscaping as a possible career.

Associated with closing the skills gap and staff shortages, we are a good way into establishing industry standards and launching the BALI Academy to train present and future employees to the required levels. More of this in future publications, but thanks to Jake Catling from The Landscaping Consultants, Paul Cowell from PC Landscapes, Brian Herbert from Outdoor Options, Richard Stone from Bawden Managed Landscapes, Richard Gardiner from NAG Solutions and Richard Curle from Landscape Associates for generously giving their considerable time to get this unparalleled initiative off the ground. We have a very exciting future, running an academy by landscapers for landscapers to keep our industry innovative and relevant, as well as ensuring the work we produce is exemplary. We want to hear from business owners (landscapers

New members (29 November 2022 - 13 March 2023)

Accredited Contractor

Midlands

• Ecological Landscape

North Thames

• Elite Lawn Solutions

• Riley’s Grounds

Maintenance

• Trendy Landscapes

North West

• Routh Landscapes

South Thames

• The Garden Design Company

• We Love Plants

• Wild by Design

South West

• Cotswold Meadows

• Newquay Landscaping

• UK Fencing and Landscaping

Yorkshire & North East

• M&T Landscaping

Accredited Supplier

East Anglia

• Caribbean Blinds UK

• SPE International

Midlands

• Parkside Ceramics

North Thames

• Instant Landscapes

and designers) what their interest in the Academy might be - we want to collaborate as much as possible and what you think is important. Please email me at nigel.bowcock@bali.org.uk

Take care.

Nigel Bowcock National Chair

South West

• Carbon Gold

South Thames

• Composite Wood Shop

• Terra Firma Landscapes

London T/A Terra

Firma Furnishings

• Thompsons of Crews Hill

Yorkshire & North East

• Kirkleavington Property Company T/A

Eco Chippings

Training Provider

South Thames

• Orchard Learning

Revoked

• Green City Landscapes

• G N Hall

We’ve finally moved into British Summer Time and with the days continuing to grow, snowdrops and daffodils putting on magnificent displays, and the trees beginning to bud, it feels like everyone has a spring in their step.

The final report of the Landscape Institute survey, undertaken in 2022, was released in December. Although it highlighted the positive outlook for the sector, there are some key challenges that need to be addressed to safeguard the future. Read an overview of the results on page 40.

One of the key findings in the report is concerns around the lack of new entrants into the industry. This is a key focus for the Association’s GoLandscape initiative, which provides advice and guidance on entry routes into the sector and the wide variety of career options. The Association has a network of GoLandscape Ambassadors to help

promote the industry to students and career changers. Read more about the role of the Ambassadors and how to get involved on page 48.

The importance of mental health and wellbeing continues to be a key focus for the Association, and we continue to provide heavily discounted Mental Health First Aid Courses to members. Read about Accredited Contractor Ground Control’s experience of the mental health first aid training and the positive impact it is having on their business on page 16.

As an Association, we are proud of the quality of the member benefits we offer, and we continue our focus to push this to the spotlight and encourage members to take advantage of their availability to the benefit of their business. In this edition, we focus on technical support and what this means to members. Read more on page 46.

Best wishes

Katharine Hughes

Editor: Katharine Hughes

E: katharine.hughes@bali.org.uk

T: +44(0)24 7669 8656

M: 07800 573351

Sales: Diane McCulloch

E: diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk

T: +44(0)24 7518 5614

Registered address: British Association of Landscape Industries

Landscape House Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2LG

Designed by: bdci.co.uk

Print and mailing: micropress.co.uk

Copy Deadline (Summer 2023): Friday 26th May 2023

Front cover: Image c/o Ellicar, Wildlife & Water Garden in Nottinghamshire. Special Award -Best First Time Entrant, National Landscape Awards 2022

2023 WHAT LIES AHEAD FOR THE INDUSTRY

So far, 2023 looks like it could be another bumper year!

In the aftermath of the National Landscape Awards in 2022, we have been excited to launch the Award entries for 2023. This comes at a time when the industry continues to be extremely busy and whilst there is always an undercurrent of caution as to how long this will last, the vast majority of Designers, Landscapers and Suppliers are reporting back that workflow and order books continue to look good for this year. In fact, most are saying that the lack of good and skilled staff is holding their business back by limiting their ability to take on more work.

The Association continues to push the GoLandscape careers initiative, despite still not having a replacement in place for the role previously referred to as Education Officer. So, I would like to say a huge thank you to those GoLandscape Ambassadors that have continued to attend careers events on behalf of GoLandscape and for the patience of those individuals that have expressed an

interest in becoming an GoLandscape Ambassador. Your time and patience is greatly appreciated.

Regional AGM’s

At the time of writing this piece, we are moving through holding the Regional AGM’s. We have seen some great speakers attending the sessions organised by the committees along with Francesca Bienek’s (Regional Support Officer) support. They have been very well attended to date, which is great to see. There have been some fantastic discussions taking place around a whole host of subjects, not to mention the appetite there appears to be from members for the BALI Academy to conduct its pilots and get up and running. Watch this space for further updates.

Check out the full list of regional events on the Association website at: www.bali.org.uk/events

Membership renewals

It has been that time of year when we ask our members to renew their annual

membership. By the time this edition hits, the renewal process will have been completed. It has been great to see so many of you, once again, renewing early to secure your 2% discount! I would like to thank you all for continuing your membership with the Association. We commit to continuing your promotion as a member and to continue your access to a great range of benefits.

Lobbying activity

Inquiry into Horticulture

Through the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Horticulture and Gardening (APPGHG), with the support of Baroness Fookes DBE, we have successfully secured a Special Inquiry in the House of Lords for the upcoming year. While we are still awaiting further details on the inquiry’s timeline, we are pleased to say that both Baroness Fookes herself and Baroness Buscombe (an APPGHG member) have been appointed as members of the Committee for the inquiry.

The call for evidence, and subsequent focus of the Committee throughout the inquiry, will focus on both the ornamental and the edible sectors, and will ask for evidence structured around different policy areas, e.g., labour and skills or science and R&D. It will be open for written responses for six weeks.

We will be drafting a joint Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG) response to the call for evidence, as well as a BALI response to submit.

We have also been told of the following indicative timeline for the inquiry:

• 27th February: Call for Evidence published, with written evidence accepted for six weeks

• 9th March: oral evidence sessions scheduled to start (tbc)

• Late November: report published with recommendations for Government

The membership of the Committee has been announced here. https://committees.parliament.uk/ committee/648/horticultural-sectorcommittee/membership/ Further

lobbying meetings:

We are beginning to hold early meetings with opposition Ministers and MP’s as there is currently a view that we could see a change of Government at the next general election.

• On Tuesday 31st January 2023, I sat on an industry group call with other OHRG members with Shadow Minister for Skills and Further

Education, Toby Perkins MP. Mr Perkins discussed Labour’s plans to address the skills shortage, especially in ornamental horticulture. This provided us with the opportunity of giving a perspective from the industry on the affect of skills shortages and what needs to be done to remedy this

• We, through the OHRG secured a meeting and have now met with Daniel Zeichner, Labour MP for Cambridge, and Shadow Minister for Food, Farming and Fisheries. In the meeting I was able to highlight a number of industry issues such as:

• Improving the environment by embedding green space into the planning process looking for forward procurement and forward contracting

• Supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by facilitating a coordinated, and targeted, research and development plan for the sector, and by establishing strategies towards water abstraction and resilience

• Increasing the resilience of the UK’s ornamental horticulture sector post-Brexit by establishing a collaborative approach from government and industry towards plant health and biosecurity, and by ensuring access to business improvement funds such as environmental land management schemes

Strategy 2022 - 2025

New Strategy

• Raising the issue of the lack of skilled labour in the landscaping sector and the improvements needed within both the National Careers Service and the education sector

These types of meetings set the scene with the opposition party to raise issues with current Government or indeed lay the foundations for future discussions should there be a change in Government at the next general election.

• Meetings have been held with Defra on the OHRG priorities, and we are continuing this work whilst understanding and planning in relation to the recent reshuffle of Government Departments and responsibilities

Best wishes and once again, thank you for your continued support.

Wayne Grills Chief Executive

You will remember that we highlighted our work on the new strategy, agreed by the board. This is now translating to the business planning process with the team at Landscape House and is expected to be signed off at the March board meeting.

This is an exciting time for the Association, but there is much work still to be done and it is important that we continue to receive your feedback to act upon, to ensure the Association is heading in the right direction. To help us achieve this, we will continue with our re-establishment of membership forums to ensure we get valuable feedback from various membership categories. Where we need to review aspects in more detail, we may hold focus groups with members to gain a better understanding of what your needs are.

Exchange Square An oasis in the heart of London

On 2nd December 2022, a cheering roar rang out across the Great Room at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane as Maylim was announced the Grand Award winner of the 46th National Landscape Awards for the stunning Exchange Square. Landscape News met with Thomas O’Mahony, Managing Director and Liam Hawkins, Operations Director of Maylim, to learn more about the project.

Congratulations! What do you think it was about Exchange Square that elevated it to be the Grand Award winner?

Liam: The quality. This was the overarching brief that was carried through the project. It was also about doing something different - pushing the boundaries of bespoke design and build. You see that in the palette of materials, including terrazzo and French limestone.

Tom: As Liam said, the quality was exceptional, but it also had to be achievable. This project’s logistics and civil engineering side was something else, as we were digging down to the roof of Liverpool Street station. The risk of damage, or the roof deflecting any more than 10mm, would mean the trains below wouldn’t run. It was a challenge, but it’s a beautiful job, and we’re all very proud.

This project was in progress during the pandemic. What additional challenges did that bring?

Liam: There was a significant amount of extra planning. Managing the supply chain was a real challenge, as we had materials from all over Europe. The usual benchmarks, samples, mock-ups and physical visits couldn’t happen. Everything went online, which was completely new back then - it was a real baptism of fire! We also had to factor in additional time and individual companies’ policies and procedures to organise getting the right people to the site when needed, such as the architects or consultants. We also split our project team into two pods - if the project manager was on one side of the office, the site manager was on the other. This project involved a lot of material repurposing. What drove these sustainability and environmental considerations?

Tom: Both Maylim and British Land work toward high environmental and sustainability goals, so repurposing where possible is essential. We brought that ethos to Exchange Square, but the extent of this re-use was driven by site restrictions. As we were working on the roof of Liverpool Street station, we had

limitations on what equipment could be brought onto the site. So instead of doing heavy demolition, we adopted a dismantle strategy, requiring the same equipment that brought everything in to take it out. This brought additional benefits of producing no dust or vibration from demolition but has left us with great products we can repurpose on other schemes across the UK.

Liam: We also achieved considerably better results than were forecast on the embodied carbon impact. Savings were made not only through changing the types of material used on the project, which saw a 61% reduction between stages 2 and 4 but by reusing existing materials; there was an additional saving of 221tCO2e*.

This project involved significant collaboration with businesses and the local community.

Liam: As Exchange Square is a public space, we needed to ensure access and minimise disruption as much as possible. We had around 26 different stakeholder organisations, from Network Rail to local businesses, that we communicated with from the initial planning phases. We provided weekly progress updates and what the planned work would be.

Tom: In collaboration with British Land, we worked with a local school in Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets. We transformed what they called ‘scrubland’ into a functional, safe and exciting forest garden where the children can now explore nature and grow vegetables and plants. This is part of an ongoing commitment Maylim has with local communities.

What would you say is the legacy of this project?

Tom: For me, Exchange Square is what placemaking is all about. It’s a huge legacy. This isn’t part of another building; it doesn’t necessarily generate income. But what it does generate is a beautiful space to be enjoyed. The enhancement of space through more planting, seating areas, lawns, trees, and plants; the shift towards more soft landscaping - that’s the new emphasis. I’ve seen people walking through, taking photos with friends or sitting and relaxing - it’s a peaceful space in the city’s heart.

maylim.co.uk

*CO2e = the number of metric tons of CO2 emissions with the same global warming potential as one metric ton of another greenhouse gas.

Credit: Daniel Fisher

that tackles so

So you can mow less.

ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES

Hardship Fund

The Association is pleased to announce the launch of its new Membership Hardship Fund, intended to help current members continue their membership with BALI in the event of unforeseen financial difficulty.

It is especially during challenging times, the access to benefits provided as part of membership to organisations such as the British Association of Landscape Industries can truly come to the fore. Our members have access to a wide range of benefits, which can provide support to business operations, marketing and promotion and legal and regulatory guidance.

Wayne Grills, Chief Executive “I am delighted we are able to offer this additional support to our members.

Allowing members to continue to access the support and benefits the Association offers is more important than ever during challenging times, and we are pleased we are able to offer this fund to our members going forward.”

Members may apply to BALI for support in funding part or all of the cost of a year’s membership at their existing rate. Applications are assessed on a case-bycase basis.

Following is some outline guidance on eligibility for the fund, but if you would like to discuss a specific situation, or would like more information, please do contact us.

• Support is available to members from their second consecutive year of

membership, i.e. following at least one full year of membership

• Support is not available retrospectively, i.e. will not be paid as a refund of membership fees

• The number of Hardship grants available in any year will depend on the number of applications we receive, and the funds available

For more information or to discuss an application, please contact the Membership Team on membership@bali.org.uk or you can phone us for an informal chat on +44 (0)2476 698 658 or +44 (0)2476 698 651. All discussions and applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.

If you would like a reminder of the vast array of benefits available to our members, please review the Toolbox that was sent to all members as part of the membership renewal process. This gives a great overview of the benefit of being part of the British Association of Landscape Industries, but also the specific benefits available as part of your membership.

A digital copy is also available in the members area of the website

A busy season with Regional AGMs

As the year came to a busy close in the final months, many regional committee meetings took place with a keen focus on planning engaging events for 2023. The final hurrah of the year was seeing many of our members enjoying celebrations at the National Landscape Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House.

Face-to-face Regional AGM’s

It has been wonderful to hold the Regional AGM’s in person once again, and seeing so many members turn out to voice their ideas and opinions, and cast their votes. All the Regional AGM’s undertaken at the time of writing been linked with an event to ensure members get the maximum benefit of their time away from their businesses.

The Association is thankful to all the Regional Committee members for all their hard work and commitment to supporting their regions. Naturally, as time passes some people have stood down, but with this, new committee members have joined which will bring a new perspective and fresh ideas for the future.

Midlands kicks-off at Leicester City

The first event of the year was the Midlands visit to Leicester City Football Club. The event started with a tour of the stadium, hosted by groundsman Simon Gregson, who discussed the maintenance procedures required for the pitch and spoke of how passionate the team are setting their own rules and values: Respect, Courage, Unity, and Responsibility.

Following the tour, a presentation was delivered by Jeff Randall and Jodie Fedorko, from The Garden Design Co., who designed and built the beautiful memorial garden. The garden provides a peaceful place for supporters wishing to pay their respects and remember those who were lost in the tragic helicopter accident where five people lost their lives including the Chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.

South Thames Wildflower Turf and Regional Suppliers

The South Thames regional committee held their AGM event at Merrist Wood College. Helen Gillespie-Brown was invited

from Wildflower Turf to hold a CPD lecture, covering core topics when choosing to specify wildflowers, including identifying appropriate site conditions; aesthetics, design & layout factors; installation and maintenance knowledge; cost implications and much more, this was followed by a Q&A session.

The lecture was well attended by teachers, students, and members of the Association.

“A very informative talk covering the considerations, preparation, and

The Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha Memorial Garden

Provender Nurseries Supplier Event

maintenance for a successful wildflower area. Left the talk far more knowledgeable how to advise clients for both the placement aspects and the expectation versus maintenance ownership.”

This was followed up at the end of February with a fantastic supplier event at Provender Nurseries. Richard McKenna took everyone on a tour of the nursery, highlighting the increasing running costs, the range of products and keeping the plants hydrated. We then had some interesting talks from Barcham Trees, Empathy Rootgrow and Land Pro. Suppliers Platipus Anchors, Schellevis Beton B.V., Perennial, Tim O’Hare Associates and Plant Healthy were also in attendance on the day to speak with members about their products and to catch up with existing contacts.

North Thames at Majestic Trees

The North Thames AGM was an informal evening, with guest speakers David Dodd, The Outdoor Room and Jake Catling, The Landscaping Consultants. David spoke about his education at Merrist Wood, his career within the industry and how he met Jake at the GoLandscape RHS Show Garden supported by students. They both spoke about their journey, with Jake talking about his passion for the development of the BALI Academy.

Debate, discover and dine!

The Yorkshire & North East committee hosted an informative and interactive evening which included ‘turf wars’ and ‘who dares asks’!

The ‘turf wars’ debate with Jonathan Hill from Rolawn, Mark Cockburn from Harrowden Turf, and Phil Hicks from

EasiGrass was an interesting discussion on the different types of turf, where this is used and the importance of storing it correctly and how this has changed over the years and wildflower turf.

The ‘who dares asks’ panel included Ricky Whiteman, Gavin Jones, Liam Pickering, First Light Landscaping, and Matthew Spedding, Composite Prime. The session provided an interesting discussion around topics including ongoing Glyphosate use, mulching, and seasonal versus all-year planting.

positives and highlighting this as the ideal time to review business processes to really focus on what drives business successes.

The Association also partnered with Oracle Solicitors to deliver a series of webinars on different areas of law. We hosted Ercan Sami, head of the civil litigation team who provided an overview of the law covering personal injury. Jason McKenzie, head of the commercial and employment teams discussed key areas of employment law.

If you were unable to join the live webinars, remember they are all available on-demand in the members area of the website.

Mental Health First Aid Courses

Following on with the success of last year’s Mental Health First Aid initiative, the quarterly courses planned for 2023 started in January. It was fantastic to have so many new delegates become accredited Mental Health First Aiders for their businesses.

“Fantastic course, a great eye opener and very useful for in and out the workplace along with the self-help which I did not know about before the course. Bianca - fantastic job! You should be proud of what you deliver and how you deliver it. Many thanks.”

The available course dates for 2023 are:

• 12th - 13th June

• 25th - 26th September

Book now at bali.org.uk/events/training-courses

Webinars

It’s been a great start to the year for our webinar programme!

The Yorkshire & North East committee invited John Asquith, from ActionCOACH to host ‘The Positive Recession’. With the real threat of recession upon us all, John focussed on turning the negatives into

For 2023 each regional committee is putting together a selection of events and workshops bearing in mind places and subjects that matter to you and your business.

For more information, please contact francesca.bienek@bali.org.uk

North Thames AGM

Yorkshire & North East AGM

For

Entries are now open for the 47th National Landscape Awards

Written by Emily Feeney, Events

Iam excited to announce that Training Provider members can now enter the National Landscape Awards.

Recognising the importance our Training Provider members make within the industry, for the first time in our history, the National Landscape Awards have opened our Supplier Exceptional Service category and the Employer Excellence category to our Training Provider members!

There are 31 categories open for entries this year, with all winners automatically being eligible to win one of our Special Awards, which includes Best

Project Manager

First Time Entrant, Best Design and Build and Best Newcomer.

To assist members with the online entry process Chair of the Judging Panel John Melmoe and I held an online workshop on the 9 March that covered a range of topics centred around key areas of the Awards entry process to help members get ahead on their submissions. The workshop covered key areas, including:

• Why enter?

• How to enter

• What to include within your submission pack?

Entry deadlines and costs:

• Judging criteria

• Photography and videos

• Top tips

• Q&A session

This workshop is now available ondemand through the Awards website baliawards.co.uk where entrants can also view this year’s entry guidelines and all the categories available to enter.

Emily Feeney Events Project Manager

Accredited Contractor, Group & Accredited Designer Categories

Early bird discount deadline

27th April 2023 - £220 per entry

(Additional entries: £195 per entry)

Final deadline

1st June 2023 - £255 per entry

(Additional entries: £230 per entry)

First time entrant deadline

1st June 2023 - £150 per entry

International Categories

Early bird discount deadline

1st June 2023 - £320 per entry

(Additional entries: £295 per entry)

Final deadline

6th July 2023 - £355 per entry

(Additional entries: £330 per entry)

First time entrant deadline

6th July 2023 - £250 per entry

Supplier Exceptional Service & Employer

Excellence Categories

Early bird discount deadline

1st June 2023 - £220 per entry

(Additional entries: £195 per entry)

Final deadline

6th July 2023 - £255 per entry

(Additional entries: £230 per entry)

First time entrant deadline

6th July 2023 - £150 per entry

If you have any questions relating to your entry then please do not hesitate to contact me via email at emily.feeney@bali.org.uk or call +44(0)24 7518 5613.

For sponsorship enquiries, please contact Media Sales & Sponsorship Officer, Diane McCulloch via email at diane.mcculloch@bali.org.uk or call +44(0)24 7518 5614.

The landscaping industry has a mental health problem. Like other industries where men make up the majority of the workforce, landscaping workers experience mental health problems disproportionately to other industries. Unhelpfully, mental health can still be a taboo subject in the landscaping business. This is despite estimates from the Mental Health Foundation that one in eight men in the UK have experienced a mental health problem and men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. As an industry, we need to break down the stigma of mental health for everyone, especially the next generation of landscaping professionals.

Ground Control is a major employer in the landscaping industry with around 5,000 employees or contractors in the UK, so their mental health is very important to us. We support creating a dialogue on mental health and breaking down misconceptions. That’s why we are fully supportive of BALI’s Mental Health First Aider Initiative (MHFA), focussed

on improving awareness and enhancing accessibility to everyone in the industry.

Ground Control has been part of the MHFA programme for a number of years but we recently doubled down on the support we offer by re-launching the programme and significantly expanding our MHFA team. The focus of the MHFA within the business is to create a point of contact for individuals who are struggling with their mental health or the mental health of their family members. These touchpoints allow employees to talk about their challenges, which can go a long way by itself, while MHFAs can signpost colleagues to support services as needed.

We now have 40 MHFAs across the business drawn from all of our divisions and teams, including both office-based and field-based employees. There is also strong representation at board level: two Executive members are MHFAs and I am the Executive Sponsor of the programme. We are also particularly fortunate to have an ex-NHS Nurse and mental health specialist within the business to support and oversee our programme. All new MHFAs are interviewed before selection and receive specific training, but they also have a full guide and escalations process and access to a network of other trained MHFAs so they can get support if they need to.

While the conversations MHFAs have with colleagues are entirely confidential, MHFAs log broad trends based on what they are observing in order to help the organisation anticipate challenges and try and find ways to help. For example, we are unsurprisingly seeing high levels of stress in the workforce related to financial concerns caused by economic challenges people are currently facing. In response, we are running sessions on financial wellbeing to coach employees on ways to save money as well as resilience training to help them better cope with daily pressures.

In addition to MHFA, Ground Control also offers counselling services for those that might prefer not to speak to a colleague, as well as an Employee Assistance Programme to help employees deal with personal problems that might adversely impact their work performance, health and wellbeing. Like other areas of the business, our support services are also evolving as a result of digitisation and mobile, so we now also offer the Calm App and a digital GP service for all employees.

Looking ahead to the rest of 2023, we are soon launching a full wellbeing strategy focusing on all aspects - from mental to physical to professional. We also remain committed to our employees wellbeing as we continue to monitor the longer-term impact of Covid self-isolation and the cost of living crisis.

The MHFA is an important scheme that transitions business to become a place where mental health is actively discussed rather than avoided. All of society needs to play a part to help people with mental health find their voice and seek help when they need it. We are proud of what Ground Control has achieved together with our employees and we look forward to working with the Association on their MHFA journey.

ground-control.co.uk

How MHFA helped us be a voice for mental health in the landscaping industry

Jason Knights, Managing Director, Ground Control

Climate action and environmental sustainability

Can the landscape industry do more?

Climate change is happening, it is the defining environmental issue of our time, causing an unprecedented loss of biodiversity, destroying ecosystems and threatening human existence.

Addressing it is a collective responsibility not just amongst global leaders but collaboratively between communities, geographies and sectors. And the landscape industry has a vital role to play.

The Landscape Institute has long been a champion, leading the way on how climate and biodiversity sensitive landscape practices can contribute to delivering climate change action.

Increasingly, Accredited Contractor Blakedown Landscapes is collaborating with both clients and landscape architects to deliver sustainable landscape projects which are responsive to the environment, regenerative and contribute to healthy communities.

One such best practice example which adeptly showcases sustainability through landscape design is the renovation of Victoria Park and Watercress Fields for Ashford Borough Council. Allen Scott Landscape Architecture’s design not only unlocks the heritage of the site, but helps to reverse degradation, improve habitats and allow education and interaction opportunities.

The Ashford Green Corridor and the Great Stour River forms the Northern boundary to the site and adjacent Blakedown Landscapes has created a new seasonal wetland with reedbed planting and the use of native marginal species to create new habitats. A new pathway and viewing platform will improve and enhance access and provide both an amenity and a place for nature inspired educational interactions for children and adults alike.

Further ecological improvements will include bird and bat boxes, log piles, the formation of scrapes and an otter holt. Although still rare, there have been sightings of otters further along the river which flows through Victoria Park, and creation of an additional holt will encourage them to move downstream.

This is an important time for our industry which calls for transformative thinking and action and for real collaboration.

Blakedown Landscapes is an awardwinning landscaping and civil engineering specialist delivering high-quality projects throughout the UK. We are fully certificated to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001, with extensive knowledge and experience spanning all sectors from local authorities, royal parks, commercial developers, schools and universities to high-end luxury developers, to name a few.

blakedown.co.uk

The benefits of using high-quality organic products

Connor Scott, Sales Manager, Eco Sustainable Solutions

We carefully manage the temperature, moisture, and oxygen levels to create a rich, nutrient-dense product that is free from contaminants, and have PAS 100 compost certification.

Also, our organic topsoil is regularly checked and tested by leading soil scientist Tim O’Hare, meeting BS:3882:2015 certification.

range of applications, including agriculture, horticulture, and landscaping.

Connor Scott

Q: Can you tell us a bit about Eco Sustainable Solutions and what makes your products different from other similar products on the market?

A: Eco Sustainable Solutions specialises in the production and distribution of highquality organic products for agriculture, horticulture and landscaping that enhance soil health, plant growth, and environmental sustainability. Our products (composts, soil conditioners, mulch, biochar etc.) are made from locally sourced organic materials which means they are not only highly effective but also sustainable.

Q: Can you explain what PAS 100 compost and BS:3882:2015 topsoil certification is and why they are important?

A: PAS 100 is a certification scheme for compost that was developed by the British Standards Institution. It sets out the requirements for the production of compost, including the raw materials that can be used, the production process, and the strict quality industry standards that must be met. PAS 100 compost is considered to be of the highest quality and is free from contaminants such as weed seeds, pathogens and heavy metals. This means that it is safe to use in a wide

BS:3882:2015 certification ensures that the correct combination of minerals, nutrients, organic matter and pH level are present in the soil, offering plants, produce and turf the best opportunity to grow. This is an important factor to consider when looking for a soil supplier as the right mix is hard to achieve naturally, so having the certification ensures that users have a safe and tested product.

Q: What are the benefits of using highquality organic products for soil health?

A: High-quality organic products are designed to improve soil health by increasing soil organic matter, improving soil structure, and promoting healthy soil biology. This leads to improved nutrient availability, better water retention, and increased plant growth and yield. Using these products also reduces the need for synthetic fertilis ers and pesticides, which can have a negative impact on soil health and the environment.

thisiseco.co.uk

Sustainability spotlight

Vestre’s focus on embedding sustainability practices

Accredited Supplier Vestre continues along a path with the aim of becoming the world’s most sustainable furniture manufacturer. Every aspect of the business’s operations is scrutinisedfrom design to shipping.

At Vestre, we are often quizzed on aspects of our production in relation to sustainability. This is an area that never has a clear-cut, single ‘correct’ answer. The number of different factors to consider when focussing towards becoming more sustainable are numerous. Here, we take the opportunity to highlight some of the key considerations and clear up a few misconceptions.

Embodied carbon

This is a vital consideration. But far more important is whole-life carbon - the total carbon emitted through the build and operational phases of a project. Compare buying low-quality product (no matter the materials) that is warranted for 12 months and may have to be replaced after 5 years, to a product that carries a lifetime warranty,

Ground Screw Centre becomes approved supplier for Millboard decking systems

requires minimal maintenance and is perhaps the only one you ever need to buy. Consider the embodied carbon of the longer-lasting option versus potentially 5 or more times its competitor.

Local manufacture (Made in Britain)

Vestre’s manufacturing operations, and suppliers are based in Scandinavia, utilising 100% renewable energy. This is why we have lower-than-average footprints for our steel and aluminium. If we manufactured elsewhere, including the UK, these options wouldn’t be easily available. Weighed against our shipping (primarily by boat, a relatively low-impact form of transport), overseas manufacture still makes sense to us.

Recycled content

To achieve a meaningful decoupling of economic growth and virgin resources, the increased use of recycled materials is paramount. However, it’s important to distinguish between pre- and postconsumer content, since the latter is the only one that should count. Again, durability must be borne in mind: our steel requires an alloy which means highly recycled content won’t allow us to achieve our required corrosion class. Our aluminium, however, contains at least 75% post-consumer scrap, which also leads to a greatly reduced carbon footprint. Just considering these three areas illustrates the depth of understanding needed these days to avoid being ‘greenwashed’, and hopefully provides some clarification of the numerous considerations.

vestre.com

Accredited Supplier The Ground Screw Centre, established in 2018, is the UK’s leading supplier of ground screw foundation systems, a system that delivers an updated alternative to the old fashioned method of holes and concrete.

Jeremy Moore, Sales Manager at the Ground Screw Centre, said “this is a really exciting time for the ground screw centre and a very important relationship for us. Millboard are at the cutting edge of composite decking systems and the introduction of ground screw foundations will deliver a true benefit to their customers and installers”.

Ground screws are a modern method of delivering robust foundation systems for the likes of decks, garden rooms, summer houses, sheds etc. They are quick and easy to install and save a great deal of time and money, not to mention their use prevent digging holes or using concrete.

The Ground Screw Centre recently attended the Millboard installers day, which proved to be a great success, with numerous new installers now adopting ground screws when installing Millboard decking products.

Jeremy added “ground screws are becoming a popular replacement for concrete foundation systems, they are easy to install, much quicker than using concrete and much better for the environment. We usually find that landscapers and garden building installers once they try ground screws they never go back as the common misconception is that you need specialised equipment and large screws, but this is just not the case for 90% of installation projects.”

groundscrewcentre.co.uk

provides seal of approval with new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers

To provide construction professionals with an ingress protected option to discreet underfloor services, Accredited Supplier Howe Green has launched its new landscape WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers, suitable for a wide range of internal and external applications, including swimming pools, wet rooms, parks, hospitals, docksides or rail projects.

The new WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide discreet, safe and easy access to underfloor services in applications where dust or water ingress must be eliminated. The standard range is

available in galvanised and stainless steel and can be manufactured in bespoke sizes and shapes to meet each project’s unique floor access requirements.

Due to the WATERSAFE floor access covers having an IP66 rating, the covers are completely protected against dust ingress as well as water ingress including powerful jets and heavy seas. For maximum compatibility aluminium covers can also be supplied for applications in sea salt environments. Additionally, there is a 15mm speed pipe connector to remove any water droplets, further adding to the water-safe and efficiency element of the floor access covers.

Available with a load rating of A15–D400 (FACTA A – D rating), the WATERSAFE IP66 floor access covers provide durable underfloor access which can also be manufactured with higher FACTA ratings on request.

The load rating does not affect the water ingress protection, meaning that the underfloor services will not be affected or be at risk of water damage. The covers have a maximum clear opening of 1000 x 1000mm and an outer frame at a maximum of 1200 x 1200mm, with a standard stone or concrete depth of 100mm. Deeper recesses are also available on request. To meet project requirements, the infill depth is bespoke and manufactured to order, with a minimum depth of 70mm.

Chris George, Business Development Manager for Howe Green, said: “To further enhance our commitment to landscape construction professionals across a wide sector of applications, the launch of our new WATERSAFE IP66 Floor Access Covers do just that. We wanted to provide a durable and safe floor access cover that enables professionals easy and safe access to underfloor services, without the worry of dust or water ingress. To ensure that we are meeting each project’s needs, each of our floor access covers are made to order.” howegreen.com

Otterbine, a brand of Accredited Supplier Reesink UK, is a leading pond and lake management specialist offering a wide range of aerating systems and fountains to keep water clean, clear, and healthy. Boasting an average lifespan of over 15 years, Otterbine systems are both energy efficient and built to last.

Aeration is paramount to the health of your lakes and ponds, as well as the wildlife in it, and Otterbine systems offer the highest oxygen transfer and pumping rates in the industry. They can add as much as 3.3lbs or 1.5kg of oxygen per horsepower hour into the water and can pump over 920GPM or 199m3/hr per horsepower.

A variety of aeration systems are available including aerating fountains, industrial aerators, and subsurface diffused air systems.

The surface spray aerators bring the best of both worlds and combine aeration with an attractive fountain to offer function and beauty and even have displays that consider the finer details such as a heavier

droplet for a breezy position for example. Otterbine has something for every pond or lake no matter its condition or position. Moreover, these systems can operate in as little as 75cm of water and all 1-5HP aerating fountain spray patterns are interchangeable.

What goes on below the water is just as important as what can be seen above and Otterbine’s subsurface aerators, which are often referred to as a ‘bubbler’ system, operate from quiet onshore compressors that pump air to diffusers placed at the pond bottom. With no electrical components in the water, these systems are the ideal choice for water quality

management solutions in recreational bodies of water. Requiring little to no maintenance, these units are constructed of corrosion-resistant materials and can operate in depths from 2–12m.

With Otterbine’s comprehensive warranties ranging from three to five years on its range of products including the Giant Fountain, Fractional Series, Air Flo 3 and Fountain Glo Lights, you can rest assured that not only will your water body stay in good shape, but your fountain or aerator will be looked after too. Reesinkuk.co.uk

Howe Green

Otterbine provide both function and beauty for lakes and ponds

Otterbine surface spray aerators bring the best of both worlds and combine aeration with an attractive fountain to offer function and beauty.

Fixed Fountains. For when aesthetics are everything.

Provides tranquillity and beauty for your lakes and ponds. Made from corrosion-resistant and durable marine-grade stainless steel, the stand chamber fits flush with the surface to create that picture perfect landscape. And with a power control centre cable with quick disconnect, installation and maintenance is easy, too.

reesinkturfcare.co.uk

Effective water solutions for all landscapes

Irrigation . Pumps . Water Aeration . Lightning Detection and More

Works with Fountain Glo lights

Refurbished services create a green haven for motorists

About the project

As part of the final stages to the longrunning A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme, Cambridge motorway services, run by Extra MSA, underwent a complete refurbishment that was completed summer 2022. Cambridge is one of eight state-ofthe-art motorway services across the UK run by Extra MSA, including Skelton Lakes near Leeds, for which Accredited Supplier Green-tech also supplied soil, compost, bark, and tree shelters.

Situated close to the northern end of the M11, within open countryside just four miles Northwest of Cambridge, the multi-million-pound project provides an exceptional experience for visitors; so much so that they have been named in the UK’s top five motorway services based on customer facilities.

The landscape improvements included re-contouring of the land, new EV charging points, and doubling the parking capacity for all vehicle types, from cars, motorhomes and caravans, to coaches and HGVs.

Green-tech’s involvement

The project included both hard and soft landscaping, with the large outdoor seating area in front of the main entrance featuring four trees set within a block paving and resin bound mixed surface. It makes for a pleasant area to sit and relax or eat.

Green-tech has been manufacturing its range of Green-tree soil for nearly twenty years, and 270 tonnes of subsoil and ArborRaft topsoil was supplied for the tree pits. In order to use a friable, organic topsoil underneath the paving, Green-tech supplied ArborRaft geocellular tree pit support system that acts as a sub-base replacement, supporting the paving above from pedestrian, or vehicular traffic, whilst protecting the soft soil below from risk of compaction. Each tree pit contains a strap anchor system to keep the trees stable during the all-important establishment phase, along with a mona irrigation ring.

The ArborRaft system has three major advantages over traditional deep-pit crate systems:

1. It sits over the top of the tree pit, taking its structural support from a 500mm wide ledge cut into the surrounding

formation ground, meaning there is no plastic whatsoever in the actual rooting area of the tree pit.

2. Its shallow profile - just 150mm deep, means that there is rarely any conflict with underground services, it isn’t deep enough.

3. ArborRaft uses less than a third of the plastic of traditional crate-style tree pit systems, so it’s better for the budget and the environment.

The tree planting in the soft landscaping scheme creates a buffer between the main services and the lorry park, as well as the surrounding area. Green-tech supplied 1,687 tree shelters to give protection from the local wildlife, along with nearly 500 tree stakes with rubber belts and ties and 220 Mona Grand Aria irrigation rings.

To aid healthy establishment, nearly 20,000 litres of compost was delivered to site and to top dress the site, over 100,000 litres of ornamental bark was supplied.

Ian Birtwistle, Principal Landscape Architect from Smeeden Foreman comments, “We have worked with Green-tech for many years and the level of service, and quality of products can always be relied upon to make projects, no matter what size, run smoothly.”

Alasdair Innes, Green-tech Specification Advisor, adds: “Extra MSA are really upping the standards of motorway services, making them really pleasant to stop off and rest awhile. Cambridge Services, along with Skelton Lakes close to Green-tech’s head office in Yorkshire, show what a difference a well-thought-out landscaping plan can make. It is wonderful to see the finished project and we look forward to seeing the trees and landscape mature over the coming years.”

green-tech.co.uk

What the Association means to

As we reach the end of our 50th anniversary year, Landscape News caught up with Richard Gardiner, Paul Cowell and Martyn Mogford, all of whom have supported the Association and its members, and been instrumental in its progressive evolution. Since then, they’ve been awarded BALI Associate Life Membership – ‘in recognition of work carried out to modernise the Association’.

Richard was voted in as the Association’s National Chair in 2009, Paul as Vice-Chair and Martyn as Honarary Treasurer. None of them could have predicted the events that led to the significant changes that were about to happen, which shaped the Association we know today.

Six months into their tenure, the incumbent Chief Executive resigned – she had been the third Chief Executive in four years. Richard said, “Reputationally BALI was still intact and good, but we had a lack of structure and due process. When we received the resignation, the three of us looked at each other and thought, we don’t really know who we need to replace her.”

As National Chair, Richard was under pressure from the trade press to reveal the new Chief Executive. The three of them knew they had to work out a new strategy, and galvanised the Board’s support to do so. This had to happen before they could decide who they needed to deliver it.

And so the work started. Richard, Paul and Martyn met out of hours, and at each other’s offices. With the support of the Board, they formed a small executive team to help shape the Association’s future. Eventually, BALI advertised for a Chief Operating Officer, someone with a process and strategy-driven mindset. Richard knew what they were looking for, “We needed someone to put the nuts and bolts together and focus on supporting the membership. Wayne Grills put that in place and has moved onto the Chief Executive role because he now has the support machinery behind him.”

Martyn was the financial specialist. When he came on board, the processes on the finance side were sparse; he needed to be very hands-on for some months.

“We developed proper reporting, monthly accounts, everyone knew exactly how the balance sheet was made up, we were talking to members who were talking to us. We got a lot of support when they knew what we were trying to create.”

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(L-R) Martyn Mogford, Richard Gardiner and Paul Cowell received Associate Life Membership at 2011 National Landscape Awards

Paul said, “We needed a new system, and we all had a different skill set to bring it together. Martyn on finance, Richard took over policy and I did communication, which I continued when I succeeded Richard as National Chair in 2010 and the strategy was in place. We based the new strategy on a previous strategic review that had never been in-acted. We moved forward on certain elements and renewed entire sections. We lost and gained new staff, which also gave a fresh spin.”

Martyn noted, “There was limited communication across the BALI office staff. We made a big push to encourage and develop teamwork at Landscape House which revitalised communication with BALI members. The business wasn’t broken, but processes weren’t working effectively.”

By the time of Wayne’s appointment, he could focus on delivering the 55-point strategy. While that was implemented, Paul visited all nine regions to promote it. Paul enjoyed the regional tour, “I found out more about the membership. Each region had its own problems and issues, but many were replicated. I could say these are our aims and objectives, and it progressed nicely.”

Those initial years from 2009 onwards were about stabilisation and gaining a clear direction for the Association. With the help of all, that platform strengthened through collaboration and communication.

Richard said, “One of the indicators which told me we were on the right track was when recruitment to the Board fundamentally changed. We were all co-opted onto the Board! Now, there’s hustings at the AGM’s, with more applications than places - that’s great to see! It has become without doubt the strongest and the clearest Association for the industry. People want to join, it has true value.”

Paul was happy to join the Board, “I joined because I wanted to know where my money was going. I didn’t want to pay fees without finding out more. If you are going to pay membership to any organisation, get involved and find out what your money is doing. If you don’t like it, change it, but you can only change it if you are sitting at the table.

“When I joined there were a lot of old boys there, I treated them as my research and development department. I wanted their knowledge and expertise on how I could make my small company more efficient and effective. I learnt a lot in that time,

there were 14 experienced professionals giving me their knowledge for free – what a bargain! That was worth the membership fee alone.”

All this was more than ten years ago. In progress now are new ambitious initiatives such as GoLandscape and the Academy.

Paul said, “I’m excited the current board has undertaken a review of the strategy, they have the drive to move it forward, and obviously they know collaboration is important because other organisations are facing the same needs - you only find that out by talking to them.”

Paul’s concern is the lack of delivery in the education and training sector. He’s found the college system disjointed and is keen to help reverse the current lack of skilled professionals.

“We are planning to go to the local colleges to see how we can help. It’s not good for succession planning, it’s not good for your business no matter how big you are. It’s very difficult to find what college course content is and what the students are physically and academically learning. We work in an amazing industry and want to inspire them, but we need the colleges to be on board. They are suffering like all of us for a skilled workforce, they can’t find the teachers to do the jobs. They come and go which causes disruption, breaking down the teaching schedule which makes the youngsters more disinterested. The BALI fallout rate goes up and everyone loses. If we can move forward with GoLandscape and the Academy and raise the standards nationally that would be a huge achievement.”

All three are involved with the BALI Chalk Fund – finding ways of generating income and supporting these training needs. Martyn said, “We need to create that virtuous circle of trying to support the

education and skills training which feeds back into the quality marks BALI is aspiring to. We are gaining momentum and have some good ideas to support GoLandscape and the Academy.”

Martyn believes supporting members is key. On the back of that, big projects like GoLandscape and the Academy can be underpinned. “The Association is a support blanket, there should always be a team for members to talk through what they need.”

Richard concluded “BALI hasn’t changed what it does but has evolved how it has delivered its services effectively.”

Paul was National Chair during the Association’s 40th anniversary. his highlight of that year was the London 2012 Olympics. He said, “It was the landscape legacy - BALI members did a lot of work on the park. We are incredibly proud of all they achieved, such as rewilding and the wildflower meadows and how they integrated with the urban structure, that’s really taken off. The other highlight is lobbying. We were keen for ministers and the people in key positions to be aware of us, what we did and how we did it. Those two elements at that time came together to promote our industry.”

Paul collaborated with other trade associations who had never been contacted before. This made lobbying government much more effective.

Paul said, “When I was National Chair I pulled us out of the lobby groups purely because I didn’t think we had the statistics to make it valid. We re-grouped and went back in the following year; we had more statistics to fire at MPs in order to get what we wanted.”

Richard Gardiner and Paul Cowell receive their Chair and Vice-Chair chains of office at the 2009 National AGM

Reflection and Refocus

Our 50th year in review

With the Association celebrating its 50th anniversary, it has been a poignant time to reflect on our past achievements and look forward to building on those successes.

It has been a challenging 12 months on many fronts for us all, but the Association has continued to push forward to support members and the wider industry, whilst also recognising this milestone and taking the time to recognise and celebrate.

Following the successful delivery of the strategy launched back in 2016, the Board worked together to develop and launch its new strategy that will continue to propel the Association forward into its 6th decade. The process also included reviewing and redefining a new vision, mission and values to ensure the Association continues to be relevant in its support to members and the evolving industry.

The fun side of the Association was on display at RHS Tatton Flower Show in 2022, with our 50th anniversarythemed installation - beautiful planting created by award-winning garden designer Lee Bestall, surrounding an oversized gold throne. Members of the public were invited to take a photo of themselves and tag the Association on social media, with the chance to win a bespoke planting plan from Lee. Not only were we marking our anniversary, but the installation also helped to raise the profile of the Association

and the benefit of using our Accredited members to the public.

A history spanning 50 years incorporates some significant milestones, challenges and successes. The Association took the time to look back and reflect on some of the key moments during that time, including founding member Jeffrey Bernhard receiving the OBE, the launch of our careers initiative GoLandscape and the numerous lobbying activities that have benefited the industry. The creation of a video showcasing these milestones was launched at the National AGM in September.

Following the AGM, we celebrated this milestone with many of you at our Gala dinner. This was a fantastic evening led by Wayne Grills leading a toast to all past National Chairs and reflected on the history of the Association. The team at Landscape House were thrilled to celebrate this milestone with so many Association members late into the evening.

At the 2022 National Landscape Awards, we presented our first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award to Jeffrey Bernhard OBE, our first National Chair and cofounder of the Association. Not only was Jeffrey instrumental in the creation

and development of the Association, he gave thousands of hours of his own time, alongside his own business and personal commitments, to establish the Association, and this dedication was recognised in 1985 with an OBE. Jeffrey continued his active support for the

industry and the Association until his retirement in 2008, helping and inspiring countless individuals and businesses along the way.

We have continued to focus on mental health support. One in four people experience mental health issues every year, with men between 40-49 years old at the biggest risk of experiencing a mental health crisis - the demographic enormously represented in our sector. The launch of our partnership with EDP training to provide accredited mental health first aider courses at a significant discount to all our members continued throughout 2022. The Association has been proud that so many members signed up and made the pledge to have trained mental health first aiders in their businesses, and we look forward to continuing this support through 2023.

The development and commitment to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter by representative bodies, was a fantastic step within our industry. Board Directors Adrian and Tessa, representing the Association highlighted “We want everyone to feel they can be involved in this industry, and it has to start with leadership. We need to work together, and we need to include everyone’s thinking in decisions that are made. This approach ensures everyone feels valued and, in turn, they will be able to offer their own qualities to the industry.”

On behalf of Wayne Grills and the team at Landscape House, we would like to thank all our members for sharing this very special year with us. We look forward to working with you and for you over the next 50 years!

National Chair Nigel Bowcock presents the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jeffrey Bernhard OBE

Lee Bestall and Wayne Grills test the gold throne at RHS Tatton

Association issues guidance on Tachograph use

Written by Owen Baker, Technical Officer (Policy and Research)

Are your vehicles fitted with a tachograph? Do you know when to use a tachograph? Do you know when a tachograph is not needed?

The rules concerning tachograph use are complex, but guidance on the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (often referred to as DVSA – formerly Vehicle and Operator Standards Agency or VOSA) website is not nearly detailed enough for operators for whom transport is not their primary business activity.

Prompted by a member enquiry, who sought clarity of the rules after

being fined, the Association has worked with a specialist transport solicitor to clarify the law concerning the use of a tachograph when operating a vehicle and trailer as part of a landscape or horticultural business. The guidance below is a shortened version of the information held by the Association.

The main rules concerning the use of tachographs are contained within EU Regulation 561/2006. Article 2 of this Regulation states the need for drivers’ hours and activities to be recorded using a tachograph, and this shall apply

to the carriage by road of goods, where the maximum permissible mass of the vehicle, including any trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes.

There are three key elements to the regulation:

• Carriage by road

• Carriage of goods

• Maximum permissible mass of the vehicle

Carriage by road

“Carriage by road” is defined as “any journey made entirely or in part on roads, open to the public by a vehicle,

whether laden or not, used for the carriage…of goods”.

If any part of a members’ journey is on roads open to the public, EU Regulation 561/2006 applies. Furthermore, the definition of “roads open to the public” has a wider definition than the public highway and may include any road where there is public access such as public parks or commercial spaces.

Carriage of goods

“Carriage of goods” refers to the carriage (i.e., conveyance) by any vehicle constructed or adapted for use for the carriage of goods. This definition is wide ranging and covers all cars, vans, 4x4 and commercial vehicles.

Maximum permissible mass of vehicle

“Maximum permissible mass” refers to the vehicle itself, as well as the vehicle and any trailer attached.

This maximum limit is dictated by information found on the VIN plate of the vehicle and trailer.

In the image above, there are 4 separate numbers:

2255kg: This is the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle only when it is fully loaded with fuel, driver, passenger and cargo.

4185kg: This is the combined (vehicle and trailer) maximum permissible weight of the fully-loaded vehicle and fully-loaded trailer.

1120kg: Maximum permissible axle load (weight) on front axle.

1180kg: Maximum permissible axle load (weight) on rear axle.

If the vehicle by itself, or the vehicle plus any trailer, has a maximum permissible mass of more than 3.5t, a tachograph must be installed and used, and the driver comply with associated rules - unless an exemption, exception or derogation applies.

Explanation of exemptions

Countries are permitted by the regulations to grant exemptions from tachograph use, subject to meeting specific criteria.

Two specific exemptions are relevant to members without prior authorisation, which exclude the need for a tachograph to be installed and used. These exemptions are specific, and members must ensure their activity is within the restrictions –otherwise they may be prosecuted.

Exemption 1:

Vehicles or combinations of vehicles with a maximum permissible mass not exceeding 7.5 tonnes used…for carrying materials, equipment, or machinery for the driver’s use in the course of his work. These vehicles shall only be used within 100km radius from the base of the undertaking, and on condition that driving does not constitute the driver’s main activity. Driving the vehicle must not constitute the driver’s main activity

The person driving the vehicle must not spend the majority of their working day driving; the driver must use the materials and equipment transported during the working day. If someone is employed solely for the purpose of driving a vehicle, the operation will not fall within the exemption.

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Material, equipment and machinery for the drivers use in the course of their work

The term “materials and equipment” was decided in a historic court case to include tools and goods such as building materials, and therefore, materials used in landscape construction would be covered. The term “equipment” would include hand tools, ride-on machinery and hard landscape tools. Plants and trees would be covered by the term “goods” – provided they will be planted as part of the driver’s main activity.

Working within 100km radius of the base

For the tachograph exemption to apply, projects must be within 100km of the base. If the project is outside of this, regardless of whether other conditions are satisfied, a tachograph must be used.

Transportation of waste materials generated by landscape maintenance activities

The Association has been advised materials generated by landscape maintenance activities falls outside of the exemption detailed above, since these items – for example grass clippings, arisings, logs – are being transported from one place to another, rather than being used by the driver. However, a second exemption, outlined below, offers an alternative exemption applicable to some landscape maintenance activities.

Exemption 2:

A section exemption exists under 13(1)(c) which states: “Vehicles used or hired, without a driver, by agricultural, horticultural, forestry or fishery undertakings for carrying goods as part of their own entrepreneurial activity within a radius of 100km from the base of the undertaking.”

Exemption applies to undertakings related to the activities of horticulture

Horticulture is defined by the Oxford English Dictionary as “the art of practice of garden cultivation or management”. On this basis, waste products generated by domestic garden maintenance or management would be included in this exemption. Transportation of waste generated by landscape maintenance activities on commercial sites would however not be exempt, and a tachograph would be required.

If the maximum mass of the vehicle or combination of vehicle and trailer exceeds 7.5 tonnes and the vehicle is being used for landscape construction purposes or if any of the other conditions are not met, then a tachograph must be installed, and the driver must follow the EU drivers’ hours rules.

If the vehicle is within scope for the drivers’ hours rules, the business must also comply with the requirement to download data from the driver’s tachograph at least every 28 days, download data from the vehicle at least every 90 days and analyse the data.

Association members should be aware that if a driver is within scope, then drivers (even occasional drivers) must keep a full set of records for the current day and the previous 28 days.

Owen BakerTechnical Officer (Policy & Research)

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Sorely mist: Water availability in the UK

Written by Owen Baker Technical Officer (Policy and Research)

Changeable weather is a characteristic of the UK’s temperate climate and, since the landscape community is particularly sensitive to seasonal weather variations, most of us will remember unseasonably warm, cold, dry or wet years and the challenges this posed to the industry.

Historically, landscape professionals have adapted to the unpredictable nature of the UK climate, but weather events in recent years have tested the resilience of the industry. Not just growers, but also designers, specifiers and contractors.

In light of the 2018 and 2022 droughts in the UK, the Association has recently been invited to participate in drought resilience working groups. Representatives from industries including agriculture, angling, waterways and environmental groups met with meteorologists and water companies to discuss challenges and how to overcome these.

In this article, I will use information shared by the various stakeholders during the working groups to explain the challenges facing water consumers and providers, the likely scenario in the

future and how the landscape industry can adapt to protect itself from potentially disruptive change.

Changing seasons

Decades of meteorological data provide evidence to suggest - with a high degree of certainty - the subtle changes and fluctuations in weather are indicative of climate change.

The UK is warming; all of the UK’s ten warmest years on record have occurred since 2002 and by 2050 heatwaves like those experienced during summer 2018 and 2022 are expected to happen every other year.

At the same time heavy rainfall is also more likely; since 1998 the UK has seen six of the ten wettest years on record. Sandwiched between long hot summers, winters will be milder and rainier.

The change will be gradual; some summers may be cooler with regular rain (almost certainly during bank holidays!) and some winters cold, but nevertheless the long-term projection remains the same.

Forecast this year

Despite significant amounts of rain falling during the latter part of 2022

(Dover, Sussex and East Sussex experienced the wettest 3 months on record between November and January), water reserves in the UK are currently lower than they were during spring 2022. Cornwall, Devon and East Anglia have not yet recovered from the drought during 2022, suggesting regional differences in rainfall are likely to challenge some areas of the country more than others.

Large areas of the country are one dry spring season away from another drought – and the introduction of temporary use (hosepipe) bans earlier than last year. As I write this article at the end of February there is no forecast for significant amounts of rain.

Managing the future demand and supply

Regardless of climate change, external factors linked to domestic and commercial water consumption are already challenging suppliers of water to meet demand.

Part of this challenge has arisen from the affordability of drinking water. The relatively low cost means drinking water is currently used for everything from car washing, irrigating golf courses and crops to filling hot tubs, showering

and domestic washing. Whilst entirely legitimate, the current consumption of potable water for activities which do not require water of this quality is wasteful and no longer sustainable.

While agriculture and industry with the majority of the world’s freshwater (70% and 19%, respectively) demand from households is rising. In 2020 the World Resources Institute reported domestic water demand grew by 600% between 1960 and 2014. Aside from a growth in population to contend with, resources are challenged by households that use more water than ever before.

In theory, there are a range of solutions for stakeholders and particularly water companies to manage the availability of water, but their implementation is not straightforward.

Since the forecast is for wetter winters, the most obvious solution is for water companies to increase storage capacity. However, construction of large reservoirs to capture and store additional water has historically been unpopular with the public, who regard the use of land for large-scale water storage as wasteful (from a land use perspective) and an eyesore.

Use of existing water sources is another option. Groundwater provides approximately one-third of water in England and makes an important contribution in Scotland and Wales. It is often used to bridge the supply gap left by the lack of rainfall, as well as sustaining rivers and wetlands during a drought. However, groundwater availability is subject to regional rainfall to recharge and, just like above-ground resources, these have been notably absent in some areas.

Re-distribution of water supplies (from areas where there is a surplus to areas where the is a shortage) requires infrastructure which does not currently exist. De-salination is frequently flagged as an option in coastal areas, however, this method is energy intensive and at odds with lowcarbon initiatives.

Increasing the cost of potable water for domestic and commercial users potentially penalises domestic users who are already struggling with energy costs and runs the risk of making commercial enterprises uneconomical to sustain –particularly during the summer months.

Commercial users of potable water such as plant nurseries are particularly vulnerable to both shortages of water and price increases. Protected and container crops grown in nurseries generally have less than 24 hours of water reserves and, due to the density of crops, rain alone is not sufficient to sustain specimens. Modern peat-free mixes have a much higher requirement for watering frequency and demand, which wetting agents cannot fully compensate for.

Whilst landscape contractors’ reliance on water is seasonal, most of it is applied via sprinklers or a hose on a client’s site, with use subject to regional availability. Association members will recall during the 2022 temporary use (hosepipe) ban restrictions placed on water use by water companies were subject to considerable regional variation.

Future outlook

Rather like the challenges associated with use of plastic, peat and fossil fuels, effective management of water use requires an open mind, creativity and changes to ingrained habits. Whilst investment in public infrastructure is needed, of greater importance is for stakeholders to seek opportunities for cross-sector working and making different grades of water available.

As an example of the creativity required, a golf course in Surrey adjacent to the M25 motorway has applied to use run-off from the carriageway to fill storage reservoirs, for re-use on the golf course when irrigation is required. This has the potential to significantly reduce demand for mains water. Similarly, new

housing developments (which already feature Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems – SUDS) could include infrastructure to capture rainwater and run-off and hold this locally for re-use by homeowners or contractors where non-potable water is required.

The challenge associated with schemes such as the above is achieving communication between the various stakeholders. As a member of the drought group, the Association will ensure the industry is represented in any development.

In the absence of immediate solutions, the Association will share knowledge with members to help minimise disruption and preserve resources:

• The Association is fortunate to include members who design and supply rainwater harvesting equipment. The Association is in the process of arranging webinars and how-to guides with these members, to educate specifiers and contractors on systems that can be installed in domestic and commercial sites

• Current temporary use ban restrictions permit drip irrigation systems on domestic gardens

• The Association will continue to work with stakeholders to ensure members apply water according to guidance

Owen BakerTechnical Officer (Policy & Research)

KEEPING YOUR TEAM SAFE ON UNEVEN GROUND

Is your team using the correct ladder for the job?

The Ladder Association states stepladders should only be used on hard, flat ground; we know this isn’t the terrain in the horticulture sector.

You have verges, slopes, steps, and undulating ground which is what Henchman Tripod Ladders are designed for. The 3 adjustable legs tackle uneven ground, allowing your team to focus on the job at hand.

The Henchman Professional Tripod Ladder is the ONLY EN131 certified tripod ladder on the market and it has the trusted BSI kitemark.

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Pot it like it’s hot

Having seen the first signs of spring at Landscape House (rain, wind, frost and sun – in that order), we turned our thoughts to this year’s planting season and which plants will be most popular. We contacted Association member Provender Nurseries and asked them to nominate their favourite plants for the 2023 season.

Provender Nurseries’ marketing manager Liz Hughes has nominated the following plants for her pick of 2023:

Cercis

canadensis

‘Diane’

Diane is new to the market and no doubt, here to stay.

A cracking plant choice named after the breeders’ wife, Diane. The flowers are deep purple–pink in colour and are much more intense in colour than other Cercis. Foliage interest is provided from spring through to autumn with the large leaves emerging purple in colour becoming green and glossy over the season before turning vibrant yellow in the autumn. A great option for a small tree.

Height: 300cm; spread: 200cm

Taxus baccata

‘Renke’s

Little Green’

The mini Taxus has it all going on. This new introduction to the market has no central leader resulting in a multi-stemmed very dwarfing form that is a fantastic choice for low hedging. This dwarf Taxus responds well to pruning producing more side shoots as a result. Ideal for topiary and small hedging including parterres due to its evergreen, robust, hardy, slow-growing, bushy habit. This mini-me Taxus really does have it all.

Height: 80 - 120cm

Lavandula angustifolia

‘BeeZee’

Provender is growing these in their production site and introduced them to customers last year. The BeeZee range has been bred to have attractive qualities that we all love lavenders for. It is hardy with a very compact growth habit, making them an obvious choice for hedging with silver-

grey foliage in the winter and grey-green in the summer months. The highly scented flowers are born on sturdy upright stems in high numbers above the stout foliage. The BeeZee range is growing in popularity, with BeeZee Dark Blue proving to be a viable alternative to Hidcote.

Height: 40cm; spread: 40cm

Photinia x fraseri ‘Carre Rouge’

Photinia has been around for quite some time and although Photinia x fraseri ‘Carre Rouge’ has been around for a couple of years now, it is definitely worthy of a mention. Carre Rouge has a much more compact growth habit than Red Robin, with shorter inter-nodal growth ensuring dense foliage cover. The upright growth habit makes this an excellent option for hedging that is easy to manage. New foliage growth is intense red in colour maturing to shiny green over the season.

Height: 250cm

Prunus laurocerasus ‘Elly’

Another improvement on an old favourite, Elly has neat, tidy upright growth and longer leaves making it an altogether more attractive option. Elly makes a neat, elegant hedge due to the nature of the rigid upright stature of the plant.

Height: 300 - 400cm; spread: 80 - 100cm

Provender Nurseries is an independent wholesale supplier based in Swanley, Kent. Their 18-acre site contains a wide range of plants and mature specimens for domestic and commercial projects, as well as a variety of landscape supplies. provendernurseries.co.uk

Major sector survey provides insights into the future of the landscaping industry

Does the UK have the skills and workforce it needs, to achieve its ambitions for people, place, and nature? This was the question the Skills for Greener Places research sought to answer.

Working alongside partners British Association of Landscape Industries, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland, Locri, Natural England, Natural Resource Wales, NatureScot, and the Northern Ireland Department for Communities, the Landscape Institute undertook this key piece of research to better understand the current shape and status of the workforce within the industry to help inform its future development. The survey comprised a combination of interviews from across the industry, combined with data from the Office of National Statistics.

At a time when there continues to be a growing emphasis on the importance of our industry and the part it plays not only towards the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but also on the health and wellbeing of people, the results of this key piece of research are both positive and concerning in equal measure.

A progressively ageing workforce, lack of diversity, and a significant gender pay gap are all highlighted, along with limited entry routes and lack of strategic cohesion across industry disciplines.

The survey results allow us to draw a line and set a benchmark, giving us all the opportunity to focus, with the ability to measure the evolution of the industry and efforts being concentrated where they are needed.

An aging workforce

We are heading towards a tipping point. The industry has an aging profile, with not enough people coming into the industry to replace those people retiring. Not only is this shrinking the workforce at a time when public focus has never been higher and the industry is growing, but it also has the ongoing impact of deskilling the sector with progressively fewer people to pass core skills built over a lifetime onto.

Chief Executive Wayne Grills comments “The industry continues to be extremely busy, with members reporting order books continue to look good. Most are saying that the lack of skilled staff is holding their business back by limiting their ability to take on more work.“

The growth of the industry is outpacing the recruitment of skills into it. There is a continuing focus on the importance of green spaces across public, commercial and domestic environments. The work is there, but the lack of new, skilled entrants into the industry is limiting business activities and growth.

Limited entry routes is a reason highlighted in the report as one of the causes of the lack of new, skilled entrants into landscaping. Apprenticeships are available but have limited take-up. Many sub-sectors require higher education, which results in limited movement between subsectors, due to a shortage of workbased routes.

The lack of cross-over between specialisms was also noted as a potential issue when considering additional or long-term uses for landscaping. The industry has naturally worked in silos, from planning and design, to maintenance, to conservation. This style of working is noted to exacerbate the lack of strategic coherence within the profession.

93% of the total workforce are white. This is compared with a national average of 86.8%. Many industry bodies, including the

Association, came together in 2022 and committed to the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Charter, to assist in supporting this growth, we need to ensure our workforce embraces equality and diversity - that everyone can be included and has a part to play in developing an industry that represents our increasingly diverse population.

The importance of this charter becomes increasingly important when you consider that women only make up less than 23% of the total workforce, and are also paid significantly lower salaries than their male counterparts, despite tending to be generally higher skilled. How can the industry expect to attract a more diverse workforce with such a stark inequality of remuneration across genders?

There is work already being done across the industry to try and address some of the issues highlighted within the report. The British Association of Landscape Industries launched the GoLandscape initiative back in 2018 with the aim of promoting landscaping as a fantastic career choice, providing inspiration, information and advice. The GoLandscape Ambassadors continue to attend schools and colleges and career-changer events to promote working within landscaping

and encourage new entrants into the industry. The Association is also developing the BALI Academy to provide training to present and future employees within the industry to directly address the skills gap.

A healthy outlook

The outlook of our industry is positive, but marred by issues that need to be addressed by the industry as a whole. The creation of the Government Horticulture Committee chaired by Baroness Fookes DBE to consider the development of the horticultural sector has been welcomed throughout the industry.

The Association will be engaging with the committee through the OHRG (Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group), on which Wayne Grills sits. The terms of reference are still to be confirmed at the time of writing, but the Association will be working in conjunction with other industry bodies to provide an informed, united voice for the industry.

The Skills for Greener Places report is available at: landscapeinstitute.org/ policy/skills-for-greener-places/ An online dashboard is also available, allowing local areas to review the information specific to their geographical location:

dashboard.landscapeinstitute.org

Blackfriars Pub - Wright Landscapes - Principal Award Winner 2022 - Soft Landscaping Construction (non-domestic) - Under £500K

AGreek philosopher said change is the only constant in life. How true that still is today. Ashley Edwards has embraced change and all the opportunities it’s created. He’s a BALI Equity Ambassador.

Ashley is head gardener at Horatio’s Garden London and South East, located at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital. It’s the fifth Horatio’s Garden to be built at a spinal centre. The charity is on course to have a Horatio’s Garden at each of the 11 spinal centres in the UK.

Horatio’s Garden will be on the main avenue at Chelsea this year. Elements of that garden will go on to establish the next Horatio’s Garden in Sheffield.

Ashley joined the garden at the same time the plants did. The build stage was complete, the garden structures were built, but alongside the designers Tom Stuart-Smith Studios and the volunteers, he put the plants in the ground. It could have been a moment, if the heatwave hadn’t made it a race against time.

Growing up, Ashley never saw anyone like him in horticulture, but the passion for plants was always there. At 16 he took a weekend job at a garden centre. He went full-time at 19 whilst studying for an NVQ L1 at Nescot College. A friend, Lauren joined the garden centre team, she’d graduated from Kew and told Ashley about the Kew Diploma.

Ashley said, “I didn’t think Kew was accessible to me. The Royal Botanic Gardens are never going to take me. I thought of it as a place of elite horticulturists and that’s what I had in my mind. Lauren encouraged me to go for it. I had visited Kew as a child with my Nan and my aunt, and I loved it. It was surreal when I got a place there.”

The interview process was rigorous and ‘intimidating’. Ashley believes they saw his passion for horticulture and how open he was to learn. He didn’t have the horticultural experience of his peers, he grew up without access to a garden, in a council flat in London, but he was accepted in by the worldrenowned, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. He gathered further experience along the way, working in both the USA and Sicily.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE >

Credit: Jude Wacks

< CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE

While at Kew, Ashley noticed he was one of only a handful of multiracial gardeners out of a very large horticultural team. “I was very much in a minority. I was aware of how white it was, but I did not experience any racism there.

“The only thing I have experienced, on the rare occasion, is with the public. People don’t expect me to have the knowledge. I can only imagine people assume I’m not a qualified horticulturist; it could be my skin colour, or my age, I will never know.”

For Ashley it’s about lack of representation in the media. Social

media maybe much maligned, but for Ashley it brightened his world - he found the diversity he was searching for. “It wasn’t until Instagram took off, a whole world of gardeners of colour opened up to me. I have enjoyed seeing that community and being a part of it. I’ve been able to connect with people through social media who are tackling these issues.”

If you can see it you can be it. It’s a powerful way of opening up what appears to be inaccessible. As a BALI Equity Ambassador Ashley is thrilled to be able to promote equality, diversity and inclusion within the industry. He wants to be the mentor he never had.

“As a queer person of colour, I feel it’s important to be represented as a professional horticulturist. I didn’t see that. It would have been great to have someone I could identify with at the start of my career. People can reach out to me if they want to.”

Ashley found the Access All Areas: Inclusion & Diversity event inspiring; conversation followed by action. “I was invited to the BALI National Landscape

If you plant that seed, you hope it’s going to germinate, you are looking to the future. You’re thinking, in so many weeks this is going to germinate and then in the summer, I can harvest it. That is so important to be able to think into the future, positively.

Awards last December, just to be at the table was a big deal, to be able to represent. It was good to literally show my face.”

That was the conversation part, as far as the action goes, it’s about recruiting the next generation.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with actively looking for under-represented groups. You need to welcome into an inclusive environment. It shouldn’t be tokenism, people need to be qualified, this isn’t a box-ticking exercise. It’s making sure there’s a place if you want it. The effort has to start somewhere.”

A career in horticulture can take you anywhere, even to therapy like Ashley.

Once he began at Horatio’s Garden, Ashley trained with Thrive, a horticultural therapy charity. He shows patients how they can continue to garden if they did so already, or if they haven’t, they can learn a new skill. “Anyone can garden, it’s about adapting to people’s needs.”

Ashley sees patients change as they recover from and adapt to their lifechanging injuries.

It wasn’t until Instagram took off, a whole world of gardeners of colour opened up to me. I have enjoyed seeing that community and being a part of it. I’ve been able to connect with people through social media who are tackling these issues.

“

Credit: Jude Wacks

The garden is a stark contrast to the busy, machine dominated wards. Outside the colours, birdsong, fragrances and other delights offer comfort, via the senses for those who’ve had their nervous systems damaged. Each individual benefits somehow in some way. The garden also offers relief and relaxation to the hard-working staff.

He said, “Sometimes patients can come here without much hand function. They can’t pinch properly… how can we pick up a seed if we can’t pinch? We worked out, they can hold a dibber, either attached it to their hand or somehow squeezing it between their fingers. Dip the dibber in a bit of water and it will adhere to the seed and can go in the soil. There are ways, around it. Over time with their treatment, they will eventually, hopefully develop the pinch and pick up the seeds themselves. That’s the next stage, you can pinch from big seeds down to little tomato seeds. It’s nice to see that progression.” There’s more than one path to achieving your goal. The act of sowing a seed is an act of hope.

“If you plant that seed, you hope it’s going to germinate, you are looking to the future. You’re thinking, in so many weeks this is going to germinate and then in the summer, I can harvest it. That is so important to be able to think into the future, positively.”

The link between nurturing a plant and nurturing oneself is undeniable. Ashley recalled wanting to put a damaged tomato plant on the compost. One patient needed to bring it back to life. And they did.

Ashley is a calm, bright-minded presence, the ideal BALI Equity Ambassador, to promote change in this industry.

“I love the job because I work with people from all walks of life and teach horticulture skills. I get to do that every day. That’s what I love most. Garden therapy doesn’t have to be super structured, it’s not just smell this plant and you will feel great; just go with the flow, being around plants and engaging in nature is healing in itself.”

Again, it’s about adapting, Ashley said if something’s not planted to the right depth or at a jaunty angle,

Garden therapy doesn’t have to be super structured, it’s not just smell this plant and you will feel great; just go with the flow, being around plants and engaging in nature is healing in itself.

“

that’s ok! You have to let go of being controlling. It’s not right or wrong, it’s just different.

“Because I’m not medical staff, patients feel comfortable talking to me. It’s just a normal conversation with a normal person, who doesn’t want to be defined by their disability. I don’t think about that, I just approach them as the person in front of me.”

It’s how we would all like to be treated. In life and in work, everyone is entitled to the same opportunities, regardless.

To follow Ashley on Instagram it’s @plantsforwellbeing, to see the work of Horatio’s Garden it’s @horatiosgarden.

Credit: Jude Wacks

Association Technical Support

No matter the size of a business, keeping up to date with changes in legislation and regulations can be difficult. In addition to Brexit and the challenges associated with becoming a third country, an increased focus on plant health, and the conservation of natural resources have all led to the introduction of new rules associated with the industry.

The Association has a not-so-secret weapon in this area to support you - our Technical Officer (Policy and Research), Owen Baker. Landscape News caught up with Owen to better understand the type of support he can provide to members.

Providing advice and guidance

Owen is passionate about supporting members and being able to respond and inform on industry-specific queries. This can be anything from major regulation changes that have the potential to severely impact the whole industry, such as the changes to red diesel regulations; seasonal queries, such as water temporary use ban guidance; to assisting in developing codes of practice.

With contacts across a range of government and industry bodies, including HMRC, HSE, Defra, VOSA, National Highways, and APHA; and access to Association members, Owen

can pull from a vast range of resources to assist members.

For example, in the summer of 2022, there were numerous queries regarding the status of the temporary use ban put into place by water companies. The details from all water companies were clear for domestic users, but the waters were muddied when it came to commercial companies. Owen: “even contacting the individual water companies to get clarity for members was challenging, as there was no single policy across all, and in some cases no policy at all. Thankfully the Association was able to provide the guidance required by members to continue their commercial activities.”

Most recently, Owen has been contacted by a supplier member asking for support in developing a code of practice for loading/unloading mature trees from trailers, as there is currently no industryspecific guidance. With the objective of safeguarding employees while carrying out their duties, Owen has contacted the HSE and is in the process of working with members to deliver this later in the year.

You will see many of the topics Owen has been asked for support and guidance on covered in the weekly e-newsletter and Landscape News.

Documentation

Risks assessments/method statements

If you employ more than 5 people, you are legally required to complete risk assessments to record risk.

Association members have free access to a variety of risk assessment and method statement templates, ranging from a single table to a suite of risk assessment documents covering the most common landscape construction and maintenance tasks.

These are reviewed annually to ensure they are current. As well as maintaining existing documents, Owen also works with members who may require a new type of risk assessment, which, on completion, is made available to all members.

Contracts

The Association has recently developed a suite of 3 standard contracts:

• Design and build

• Design only

• Build only

Identified as a need through disputes, members should use contracts with engaging with clients to ensure clarity for both parties. Mainly aimed towards domestic clients, these can also be a great starting point for smaller commercial clients.

All documents are available in the members’ area of the Association website.

Remember, as part of your member benefits you have access to the Quest document library containing over 800 free downloadable templates for common HR and operational needs.

The scope of support Owen can provide is vast, but ultimately benefits all members by providing clarity and guidance, and making available supporting documentation.

If you have any queries, please contact the Technical Officer at: technical@bali.org.uk

Your chance to shine and inspire the next generation

Many of you will be aware of BALI’s GoLandscape initiative, established with three key objectives:

• Inspire people to join the landscape industry

• Retain people within the landscape industry

• Close the skills gap that the landscape industry is experiencing Bold and noble ambitions for sure, and there’s no doubt that much work has been done over the past few years, but with the pandemic interrupting many events that had become established in the calendar, and the increasing pressure on college funds, I take a look at the state of play in the industry’s training and education sector, the work of the GoLandscape ambassadors, and how you could join the growing team of industry professionals contributing their time to support the future of the landscape industry.

As well as being a GoLandscape ambassador, I am also a Trustee of BALI’s very own charity, the BALI Chalk Fund, which is a significant contributor to the costs of running the GoLandscape initiative, and as such I find myself along with employers invited to colleges to feedback to the education sector, we are often asked what industry needs and expects from the sector tasked with providing our industry with its people of the future.

Of course the industry needs people with a passion for plants, paving and planning, not to mention the many soft skills required to keep clients informed and engaged, and their team focussed on the task in hand, all whilst meeting the inevitable challenging time frames and smiling in the rain. Not only do we need these exceptional people, we need lots of them!

As was highlighted in the report “Unlocking Green Growth” commissioned by the Ornamental Horticulture Roundtable Group (OHRG)

of which BALI is s key stakeholder, the likely demand in the coming years, triggered in part by the governments green agenda, could see the financial impact of ornamental horticulture climbing from the already significant realms of £28,8bn and employing 670,000 people (2019), to a financial footprint of £42bn, and employing 763,000 people buy 2030, yes that’s just 7 years.

When you start to analyse the ingredients required to make a great landscaper, its not hard to see why the industry struggles to find these needles in the proverbial haystack. Its true that not all industry entrants need all these skills and attributes, especially not for them to be fully fledged and humming when leaving college, but the foundations should be there, a rough diamond waiting for the industry to hone and polish them into the industry leaders of tomorrow.

So the question is, how do we inspire more talent to join this great

industry? I said right at the outset of this challenging initiative that the main challenges we faced if we were to be successful, are not inspiring people to design, build and maintain incredible landscapes, that’s the easy bit, but for those people, once inspired, to gain the support of both their schools and their parents to follow through.

The parental situation is mainly due to the poor perception of the Landscape Industry, the “oh you can do better than that” scenario we have all experienced or at least witnessed over the years.

The parental attitude is rather supported by the schools, because even bright, successful students choosing to progress from school to land based courses would accrue insufficient UCAS points to gain entry to university, should they choose to do so, meaning schools will steer talented people away from such a choice, and to be fair they would probably be right to do so, given the UCAS points on offer, but there is light at the end of that particular tunnel.

T Levels come in to being next year, and whilst at the moment, they are restricted to Level 3 qualifications, and whilst detail is a little sketchy, it appears that a good GCSE student will be able to move straight to T Levels from GCSE’s and due to the challenging and full-time nature of the T Levels, will accrue sufficient UCAS points to progress to university, should they wish. If this is comes to pass, there will be no

legitimate reason for schools not to support students wishing to study land based courses and to some extend undermines the parental resistance, potentially creating more land-based students, some of which could be of a higher calibre than colleges have been used to teaching in recent years. I believe this is a significant opportunity for GoLandscae to successfully lure students on to land-based courses and then into the industry.

For someone passionate about the industry in which they work, there can be few feelings more satisfying than that of inspiring people to join the fold and nurture that talent as they negotiate the challenges incumbent in any career path. For the past few years, dozens of GoLandscape ambassadors have been doing just that.

Seonaid Royall of Garden design, maintenance and advice company “Sprout Up” explains “Although when at the coal face it seems impossible you would have time to do volunteer work, being an ambassador for GoLandscape, every time I have managed to tear myself away from clients I have found rich reward in talking to potential future horticulturalists and designers. Not only has it felt that I have been able to give back but my passion for the career I have chosen is renewed and I go back to my day job with a new spring in my step realising this is the place I love, the place I belong and the place I can be my best self.”

And its not just school or college students that ambassadors are asked to engage with, career changers have been identified as a great source of entrants to the industry, events organised the British Forces Resettlement Service (BFRS), have proven to be fruitful and interesting occasions. As you can imagine, military personnel possess so many of the attributes that are so valuable in many businesses, and landscape enterprises are no exception. Reliability, punctuality, discipline, and great organisation are second nature in military life and who wouldn’t want those characteristics in their staff, not to mention resourcefulness, and problem solving.

Although new to the role, Tammy Mitchell-Bennett of Mitie enjoyed her early experience, and represented GoLandscape and the wider industry in the best possible light at the recent BFRS event.

“As a relative newbie to the ambassador role for me it has been very positive. Having the opportunity to build greater industry awareness while shaping perception of landscaping across many differing demographics is empowering”.

The feedback from one of the regular organisers was amazing too.

“You are always so upbeat and passionate about your industry and what you do, and that is pivotal when speaking to job seekers who are yet to fully commit to what they want to do. You guy’s embody dedication and passion and that is essential because people don’t buy in to what you do, they buy in to why you do it”.

Never has it been more important to attract talent to our industry, and T Levels might just give us the hook we need to do so, If you would like to know how you could get involved, contact the Association on +44(0)24 7669 0333 or email golandscape@bali.org.uk

Richard Gardiner GoLandscape Ambassador and BALI Chalk Fund Trustee

A look at what’s to come

Confirmed dates for industry shows and events 2023. Correct at time of print. For the most up-to-date listings visit bali.org.uk/events

27 April Regional event: Equipment of the Future bali.org.uk/events

11 May Webinar: IR35 Off-Payroll Rules bali.org.uk/events

23 - 27 May

12 - 13 June

4 - 9 July

19 - 23 July

RHS Chelsea Flower Show rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show

Mental Health First Aid course bali.org.uk/training

RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival

rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-hampton-court-palace-garden-festival

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park

rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-flower-show-tatton-park

5 - 6 September Trade show: Four Oaks fouroaks-tradeshow.com

21 - 22 September Trade show: Groundsfest groundsfest.com

25 - 26 September

Mental Health First Aid course bali.org.uk/training

27 - 28 September Trade show: LANDSCAPE Show landscapeshow.co.uk

1 - 2 November Trade show: SALTEX saltex.org.uk

21 - 22 November Trade show: FutureScape London futurescapeevent.com

1 December National Landscape Awards baliawards.co.uk

Preparations for RHS Shows 2023

In early July, we have a trade stand at RHS Hampton Court Palace Garden Festival, stand number HC502. The show is open to RHS members only from Tuesday 4th July and the general public from Thursday 6th July until Sunday 9th July.

Towards the end of July, we move north to RHS Flower Show Tatton Park, on trade stand number TP212. The show opens to RHS members on Wednesday 19th July and to the public on Thursday 20th July until Sunday 23rd July.

The RHS shows offer the Association a fantastic opportunity to interact with garden enthusiasts to raise awareness of the incredible work that Association members carry out and the importance of using an Accredited professional.

The Association is excited to once again be exhibiting at three RHS Shows in 2023 and would love to catch up with members at the shows.

We will be attending the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2023, on trade stand number EAE517.

As one of the industry’s event highlights, RHS Chelsea provides an opportunity

for the Association to promote itself and its members’ products and services to hundreds of people, including business owners, bankers, estate managers, specifiers and the general public.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2023 starts on Monday 22nd May with the exclusive press day, with the show open to RHS members only from Tuesday 23rd May and the general public from Thursday 25th May until Saturday 27th May.

We are also looking forward to seeing the amazing shows gardens designed and built by our members this year, and celebrating the awards and medal wins.

Let us know if you are attending any of the RHS Shows so we can help promote and celebrate your garden. Feature your garden in Landscape News – please share your news with editor Katharine Hugheskatharine.hughes@bali.org.uk. Deadline for content for the Summer edition is Friday 26th May.

Best Construction Show Garden 2022 built by Landform Consultants

John Chambers is part of the Green-tech Ltd. family