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How quickly time flies! It feels like we’re only just stepping into 2025, and yet here we are already welcoming the summer edition of Landscape News.
The year kicked off with incredible momentum, and from January through April, I had the pleasure of joining many brilliantly organised and well-attended regional AGMs. From Scotland to the South West, across North London, the Midlands, Yorkshire and the North East, and the North West, it’s been a privilege to connect with so many of you face-to-face. The energy, the ideas, and the interactions have been nothing short of inspirational.
A huge thank you must go to Wayne Grills and the BALI membership team for the incredible effort they’ve put into making these meetings a success. The calibre of the events, the hosts, the presenters and, most importantly, the engaging conversations between members have made each meeting an invaluable experience.
Personally, I’ve come away from these AGMs with new connections, fresh perspectives, and real solutions to real challenges. That’s the power of being together, of “touching the flesh,” as they say, and simply taking the time to share knowledge and stories faceto-face. It’s priceless.
As we step into summer, it’s heartening to see strong member re-signing numbers, reflecting the continued value and belief in what BALI offers. That said, we also recognise that some businesses have faced tough times over the past year. To those companies and individuals, please know that our thoughts are with you – and more importantly, our support is available. If you need mentoring, advice, or a helping hand, please reach out to the team.
The camaraderie I witnessed across the regions has been extraordinary, with open arms, warm welcomes, and a genuine team spirit on display everywhere. If you’re new to BALI, don’t be afraid to get involved regionally; the meetings and shared resources are phenomenal, and they show just how strong we are when we come together.
Looking ahead, we’re moving into judging season for the BALI National Landscape Awards. This year marks the 49th rendition of the Awards, with our incredible 50th on the horizon in 2026. It’s a huge milestone we’re immensely proud of, with the awards being a testament to the quality, consistency, and passion of our members.
But the work doesn’t stop there. We’re constantly looking for ways to improve and enhance the membership experience. We want to hear from you, through surveys, conversations, and feedback, about how we can better serve you. Time and again, I see how members turn to BALI when challenges arise. We’re proud to be that trusted voice, that steady hand in times of uncertainty, and we’ll continue doing everything we can to dig deep, find solutions, and push the industry forward.
Of course, challenges remain – from workforce pressures to issues around Employers NIC, inflation, and imports blockers – but I have immense confidence in the resilience of our industry. We’ve weathered many storms, and we’ll continue to do so, together.
Thank you – and enjoy the season ahead.
Adrian Wickham National Chair
Discover everything we’ve got lined up in this issue of Landscape News…
Editor's welcome
Our new editor welcomes you and this quarter’s newest members
Chief executive's report
Find out how our Chief Executive has been championing BALI members’ interests
Out and about with BALI
Where we’ve been and what’s coming up in the world of events this quarter
Membership updates
We round up all the goings-on and news from each region’s AGM
Elemental: new design tool
Make more informed, eco-conscious, sustainable design decisions from the outset of projects
Unhappy clients: what to do when a dispute arises?
When things don’t quite go to plan, enjoy impartial solutions with this exclusive member benefit
Origin-al thinking
BALI Awards Headline Sponsors, Origin Enterprises, reveal why they chose to sponsor the awards through their Living Landscapes division
In brief
A quick-fire round-up of news from BALI members
The long and winding road
Exploring the walkway revamp at RHS Garden Wisley and how one BALI member helped to ensure the long-term health of The Glasshouse Borders
Going for gold: RHS Chelsea Flower Show review
Re-live five glorious days in Chelsea and discover how BALI members stole the show with a mammoth haul of medals
Have you got a van plan?
Herd Management Group explain why a total fleet management solution could save you time and headaches
From eye to bee: the importance of beautiful biodiversity
Garden designer Jamie Langlands explores how and why you should embrace our natural landscape in your garden designs
Better with batteries?
Balancing sustainability with performance can be challenging. Could switching from petrol to battery-powered tools help?
Life after peat
How can you navigate potential regulation changes to peat compost usage?
Policy updates
BALI’s Ian Ludgate looks at policy developments, including the new UK pesticide plan and opportunities in new town generation
Laying down the law
BALI benefit provider Quest’s HR guidance for managing disciplinary issues in your workforce
A call to arms: uncovering untapped ex-military talent
An oft overlooked talent pool, ex-forces members offer a wealth of transferable skills
Inspiring the next generation of landscapers
We go out and about with GoLandscape at the Big Bang Fair 2025
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Well, what an introduction!
I’ve barely gotten my feet under the table and already I’ve had a full-throttle introduction to the stunning talent that BALI members possess. The RHS Chelsea Flower Show was a bumper year for members, with over 20 medals dished out for the array of designs, builds and plants on display. We take a look back at all these fantastic achievements in our RHS Chelsea review on page 30.
As if that wasn’t enough, our members have also been starring at other industry events. Oxford Garden Design’s Jamie Langlands’ show garden “Hedgerow to Home” at RHS Malvern Spring Festival touched on the important subject of biodiversity in our domestic landscapes. Over on page 40 he explains how to draw inspiration from your journeys home and transition those learnings into domestic designs.
Outside of the big shows, it’s always fantastic to see the impact our members’ work has on the enjoyment of the outdoors by the public. Often, it is the work that goes relatively unseen that makes all the
difference, and in this issue we highlight just such a project. The pathways at the famous Glasshouse Borders at RHS Wisley have been transformed, with ACO House & Garden securing the long-term future of the Borders in the face of climate challenges. Find out more about this interesting project on page 28.
It's been a busy few months for our membership team too. Each region has now held its AGM, with changes to the personnel of the Committees in some regions. Our Regional Committees are a vital resource for championing the industry and providing a voice for our members, so please do try to get along to an event – at the very least they provide invaluable networking opportunities. We update you on everything membership on page 14.
Finally, while the past few months have been a cause for celebration for BALI members, as the accolades have deservedly rained down, the harsh reality of life in landscaping is that not everything always runs as smoothly as one would hope. That’s why, in times of dispute, it’s important that you have an impartial service to help resolve issues and support you in a fair and transparent manner. Find out more about the Dispute Resolution Service and how it can help you on page 18.
Happy reading!
Luke Garner Editor
New members (1st March 2025 to 31st May 2025)
Associate Contractors
Key Maintenance group (Midlands)
Accredited Contractor
Winslade Landscapes Ltd (National)
Bright Earth (North Thames)
Lush Landscapes (South Thames)
T Loughman & Co Ltd (South Thames)
York Gardens Ltd (Yorkshire and North East)
Editor: Luke Garner E: luke.garner@bali.org.uk
Sales: Joanna Pieprzak
E: joanna.pieprzak@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
Front cover: Bluefish Landscaping Contractors –BALI National Award Winner, Domestic Garden Construction - between £100k - £250k category.
Accredited Supplier
Weather it Ltd (Midlands)
Stone UK Ltd (North West)
Jati Ltd T/A Lindsey Teak (South Thames)
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BALI Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, gives us a sneak peek of what’s been happening in his world.
As I write this, we’ve already seen some fantastic exhibitions and shows take place this year, with BALI members proudly flying the flag for landscaping excellence. BALI will of course be representing its members in the usual way at a wide array of events as we head into the summer and throughout the autumn.
On that note, I wanted to both congratulate and celebrate all BALI members who took part in and won an array of medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show this year. To maintain your everyday business as well as take on something as huge and monumental as a Chelsea Flower Show garden installation is no mean feat. Delivering such quality at this level is impressive and so whether it is your first accolade or one of many wins, I’d like to extend a sincere congratulations to all involved in this shining success for our industry.
As well as showing off your awards and accolades, members should look to exploit their BALI membership as the unique selling point when comparing against non-members. You worked hard for your accreditation – why not use it to its full potential. Make sure you inform your clients what your BALI accreditation means, and use the BALI materials (both hard copy and digital) to support your message about why you are leading the landscaping industry.
See page 30 for our review of RHS Chelsea and our members’ activities.
We have had another fantastic response to membership renewal this year. I would like to thank you for your continued commitment and support for your Association and would remind you to make the most of your membership benefits. There are loads at your disposal, and this issue we take a more in-depth look at how the Dispute Resolution Service can help you in times of need (page 18).
There are so many resources available to you as a member, and most members say that they are impressed with the services and documents available to them once they have tried it. Take a lookwww.bali.org.uk/help-and-advice
Unfortunately, we’ve seen a greater number than usual of business closures and I would ask you to look to BALI to help support you so we can try to ensure you don’t get into this position. In addition, I would like to note the great work that the charity Perennial does in our sector, supporting those in horticulture and landscaping with financial, health and wellbeing, physiotherapy, and training and careers support services. It is confidential through perennial.org.uk or their helpline on 0800 093 8543.
There have been some changes in the BALI -NCF in this last year. Not only has it been great to see more member companies joining the forum, but Ricky Whiteman (Gavin Jones) was voted in as the new BALINCF Chair too, replacing Tim Howell from Mitie, who had stayed in post for longer than the standard term of two years, having achieved a range of successes.
We want to build on the great work that the offshoot working group of the BALINCF Health and Safety Managers Forum has achieved to date and wish to further the great work on the monitoring of health and safety statistics of accidents and near misses to inform future training interventions. These interventions delivered a whopping reduction of accidents and near misses by 63% in areas where training intervention took place. Wouldn’t it be great if we could one day roll this out to the full membership and make sure more people return home safely each day?
The Regional AGMs have gone extremely well with great turnouts. Thanks also to your regional Chairs/Vice Chairs and committee members for the hard work and commitment that they put in voluntarily and, of course, not forgetting our very own Francesca Bienek from the BALI team for ensuring these events happened, were well attended, and were highly beneficial for members. If you weren’t there, then you missed out on an array of great speakers, venues, and networking opportunities.
You can discover more about all the goings-on at the AGMs, including details of incoming and outgoing Chairs and Vice Chairs, in Fran’s membership update on page 14.
BALI’s National AGM has been set by the board of directors and will take place on 9 September 2025, at GroundsFest 2025. Please make sure you attend if you can. Watch out for further information in the near future on speakers.
The new team members are in post and recruitment is complete. Our job now is to continue to deliver on your behalf, from supporting you with your business, with your efforts to connect with your client base, and to lead the industry in all aspects of landscaping when lobbying, etc. We continue to deliver on our remit in careers and education, but we want to ensure we represent you properly and accurately. With this in mind, please do engage with our ‘Pulse Surveys’. These will be extremely short surveys which will allow us to build a substantial and accurate picture in order to represent you effectively.
The Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG) launched its latest update report (Nov 2024) with Oxford Economics research at the Houses of Parliament in a collaborative launch event.
This study builds on previous research by Oxford Economics in 2018. Given the amount of time since the original study, EHG were interested in reviewing the underlying input data and methodology used to undertake the economic impact assessment, before quantifying its impact in 2023.
The key points of interest for the ornamental horticulture and landscaping industry were:
• £1.9 billion total GDP contribution of garden goods manufacturing to UK GDP in 2023, supporting over 29,000 jobs across the UK
• £2 billion GDP contribution of environmental plants production to UK GDP in 2023, supporting almost 32,000 jobs across the UK
• £17.9 billion GDP contribution of landscaping services to UK GDP in 2023, supporting over 355,000 jobs across the UK
• £2.6 billion GDP contribution of tree planting and management to UK GDP in 2023, supporting over 52,000 jobs across the UK.
• Environmental horticulture’s contributions to the UK’s GDP was assessed as having the potential to grow by 45% over the 2020s, to £51.2 billion (in 2023 prices), supporting 459,000 jobs across the UK economy.
As always, thank you for your continued support and we hope your summer proves to be a fruitful one.
Kind regards,
Wayne Grills Chief Executive
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From friendly competition to valuable networking opportunities, our members have been making the most of what the BALI network has to offer. Events Manager, Izzy Plain, reveals more.
With half the year now in the books and a whole plethora of events having taken place you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d already missed everything. But thankfully, as summer season kicks into high gear, there’s loads more ways for you to get involved.
The North Thames region wasted no time in bringing members together - this time through a lively clay pigeon shooting day. Held on 1st April at the Lea Valley Shooting Association, the event welcomed both members and non-members for an afternoon of camaraderie, networking, and light-hearted rivalry. The day struck the perfect balance between outdoor fun and professional connection, offering attendees the chance to catch up, forge new contacts, and test their aim.
Next on the calendar was the highly anticipated Suppliers Forum, hosted at the Business Centre in London. Proudly sponsored by Mobilane, the event featured an engaging presentation and tour led by Mobilane's Paul Garlick, followed by an inspiring session from respected business coach Nick Ruddles on how to maximise business opportunities.
To round off the day, delegates swapped business cards for team vests and headed to the Crystal Maze Live Experience - a fun and energetic way to build connections and unwind.
The highlight of the landscaping calendar, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, was a fantastic opportunity for BALI members to reconnect and welcome new faces.
During the same week, the North Thames committee hosted a special evening at The Natural History Museum, giving attendees exclusive insight into the new Evolution Garden. This event offered a deep dive into how the garden celebrates UK biodiversity, all while fostering valuable conversations and connections. It was a unique and informative evening, thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Bringing a more informal flavour to the season, the Southwest Committee hosted a relaxed pub social. With conversations ranging from AI to design software, it was the perfect setting for sharing ideas, discussing industry trends, and making meaningful connections in a laid-back environment.
The rest of the year is packed with exciting events, including:
• An exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Ipswich Town FC’s stadium (pictured above)
• An inspiring visit to the Eden Docks Project at Canary Wharf
• A trip to Robin Tacchi Plants, followed by a serene afternoon at a natural swimming pool
And of course, we can’t forget the prestigious National Landscape Awards this December - tickets go live at the end of August, so remember to mark your calendar.
These are just a few highlights, with many more fantastic events still to come. Be sure to visit the events page on the BALI website to explore what’s coming up and secure your spot.
We can’t wait to see more of our members at upcoming events!
izzy.plain@bali.org.uk
When: 9 –10 September, 2025
GroundsFest is more than just a trade show – it’s a celebration of the groundscare, landscaping, and outdoor industries. The event offers a fresh take on the traditional exhibition format. It combines indoor stands and outdoor demo areas with hands-on experiences, live music, street food, and free education.
Designed for professionals from all corners of the industry – from grounds staff and landscapers to local authorities and dealers – GroundsFest offers the perfect opportunity to see the latest equipment in action, learn from industry experts, and
Where: NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth
connect with like-minded people. Whether you're looking for cutting-edge kit, CPDaccredited training, or just a chance to step away from your day-to-day and recharge, GroundsFest delivers.
With its laid-back vibe, welcoming environment, and commitment to realworld value, GroundsFest is redefining what an industry event can be. It’s where business meets community, innovation meets fun –and where the industry comes together.
BALI are proud to be sponsors of The Landscape Zone at GroundsFest 2025.
Register for your free tickets at: www.groundsfest.com
Discover some of the key industry events taking place over the coming months…
Southwest Cornwall Social (BALI) * 3 July, 2025 Mitchell, Newquay www.bali.org.uk/events
Nine Elms Tour (BALI) 8 July 2025
Belvoir Castle Flower and Garden Show 12 -13 July, 2025
RHS Flower Show
Wentworth Woodhouse 16 -20 July, 2025
Eden Dock Project (BALI) 18 July, 2025
BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair 29 -31 August, 2025
Nine Elms, London
Grantham, Leicestershire
Wentworth, South Yorkshire
www.bali.org.uk/events
www.belvoircastle.com/event
www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events
Canary Wharf Jubilee Line Station, London www.bali.org.uk/events
Audely End House and Gardens, Essex www.bbcgardenersworldlive.com/autumn-fair
Four Oaks Trade Show * 2 –3 September, 2025 Macclesfield, Cheshire www.fouroaks-tradeshow.com
GroundsFest * 9 –10 September, 2025
NAEC, Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth groundsfest.com
glee * 16 -18 September, 2025 NEC, Birmingham www.gleebirmingham.com
South West Growers Show * 1 October, 2025
Futurescape * 7 –8 October, 2025
Public Spaces Expo * 7 –8 October, 2025
To stay updated about all BALI events,
The Matford Centre, Exeter, Devon www.swgs.co.uk
ExCeL, London
www.futurescapeevent.com
ExCeL, London www.publicspacesexpo.com
*Denotes a free-to-attend event
With every region’s AGM having taken place, the Committees are now in place to help make the rest of the year and beyond a stunning success. Francesca Bienek, Membership Engagement Manager, rounds up what’s been happening in the world of membership events this quarter.
As we approach the summer months it’s hard to believe we are nearly halfway through the year already. Reflecting on the year so far, it has been incredibly busy as our newly formed membership team learn and collaborate while processing enquiries and this year’s membership renewals. Moving forwards, I will be continuing regular contact with members to ensure they are fully aware of the member benefits and are utilising these to benefit their businesses.
For a lot of members, not using the members area is a missed opportunity. Here you can update your own profile and details, which is vital for searches, access documents (including your membership certificate), and view the member
benefits available to you. For accredited members, making use of the BALI logo at all opportunities is an easy win. Access to HR and Business Support through Quest and Vectorworks as a designer member are other benefits worth taking advantage of.
The regional committees have now all had their AGMs and have been busy planning a flourish of other events. A big thank you to our Chief Executive, Wayne Grills, who has attended all of the regional AGMs and delivered his annual BALI presentation.
As ever I am grateful to work with our eight regional committees across the country who give up their time to work with BALI. They all work in different areas of the industry, which ensures we deliver diverse events that members will benefit from and enjoy.
The British Motor Museum, Warwickshire, played host to April’s Midlands AGM. The day was sponsored by Herd Group who gave a great overview of various
fleet management solutions (check out their article about outsourcing total fleet procurement cycle later in this issue). The Midlands has not had an active Chair over the past year, but George Davies, George Davies Turf, was elected as Chair with Simon Hedley, Boughton Loam, elected as Vice Chair. Both are keen to increase engagement within the region through their newly appointed roles.
The afternoon finished with a thoughtprovoking biodiversity talk from Jamie Langlands, Lead Designer at Oxford Garden Design. Jamie’s passion and knowledge for the industry shone through, giving us food for thought on how we should look after our land, achieving small wins within our own gardens, and keeping our land consistent with our existing natural surroundings. You can hear more of Jamie’s thoughts on this fascinating on-trend topic on page 40.
We finished the day with a fantastic tour of the museum, learning about motor history and understanding how innovation in an industry can take shape.
This year’s South West AGM took place at the stunning National Trust Stourhead Gardens. Tim Parker, Head Gardener of Tree Year, led us on a tour of part of the 30-acre gardens in the glorious sunshine. The gardens were picturesque at whichever point we stopped at and were a real treat.
Following the tour, sponsors Mobilane gave a thorough talk on living walls and the products they supply. The AGM saw Paul Lynch and Suzi Cross stay in Chair and Vice Chair positions for another year, and the group then enjoyed a delicious lunch together.
Following the recent restoration project at Rochdale Town Hall, BALI award-winning member Wright Landscapes provided a talk, alongside sponsors Marshalls, who were the suppliers on the project. They
shared insight into the transformation of the Grade 1 listed landmark, which was undoubtedly an extensive project with a fair share of challenges and complexities. Despite this, the team vision was delivered with meticulous attention to detail and the highest standards of craftsmanship.
The AGM saw Matthew Spedding stand down from Chair position, with the region now having a newly elected Chair, Andrew Ryder, Wright Landscapes and Vice Chair, Daniel Lewis, Manchester City F.C. They are both eager to grow engagement within the region and will be looking to implement more activity throughout the year.
Getting “out of the office” was on the agenda for our North Thames members as they joined a social and networking day out at the Natural History Museum in London. BALI members had a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to get the inside
North West:
Chair, Andrew Ryder Wright Landscapes
Vice Chair, Daniel Lewis Manchester City F.C.
South West:
Chair, Paul Lynch Elmtree Garden Contractors
Vice Chair, Suzi Cross Ecosulis
Midlands:
Chair, George Davies George Davies Turf
Vice Chair, Simon Hedley Boughton Loam
East Anglia:
Chair, Will Innes-Taylor Hillier Nurseries
Vice Chair, Nick Brown
SRC Group
story of the “New Evolution Garden”, with Giles Heap of CED Stone, who sourced all the fantastic rocks that make up the geological progression through the garden, his geologist Simon, and Darren, the project manager, bringing alive the story of the stones. As they moved through the contemporary Nature Garden, BALI North Thames Chair, Noel Brock, and the Natural History Museum Head Gardener, Tom McCarter, described how the garden showcases the biodiversity of the UK, and how that will adapt to climate change, providing some excellent thoughtprovoking conversations.
BALI is pleased to announce that our new Head of Membership, Sara French, is now in post. Please join us in wishing her every success in the role as she endeavours to help continue our journey in support of our members.
bali.org.uk/events
North Thames:
Chair, Noel Brock Frognal Gardens
Vice Chair, Alistair Bayford Frosts Landscape Construction (formerly Chair)
South Thames:
Chair Brian Herbert Outdoor Options
Vice Chair, Charles Blumlein Location Landscapes
Yorkshire & North East:
Chair, Ryan Horsman Palmer Landscapes
Vice Chair, Jonathan Hill Rolawn
Scotland:
Chair, Colin Smith Land Technology
BALI would also like to take a moment to thank the outgoing Chairs and Vice Chairs for their efforts and support, including:
North West:
Chair, Matthew Spedding Composite Prime
Scotland:
Chair, Ryan Love R Love Landscapes
Vice Chair, Josh Dow JDS Landscaping
Landscape designers can now make more informed, eco-conscious decisions to help them create sustainable designs from the outset of their projects, thanks to the launch of “elemental”.
This new sustainability tool was developed via a collaboration of industry stakeholders, including BALI, Royal Horticultural Society, Society of Garden and Landscape Designers, Landscape Institute, and Nicholsons. In addition to providing knowledge and support, BALI also part-funded the project, which is now available for members to use for free.
The comprehensive green-design audit tool is aimed at assisting garden and landscape designers in minimising their environmental impact, aligning with BALI's commitment to promoting high standards in landscape design, construction, and maintenance.
The web-based tool uses a simple question and answer format to assess designs against six elements of sustainability:
• materials management
• soil
• water and air
• biodiversity
• people
• emissions.
A report is produced for each design, providing the user with a numeric score for each of the first five elements as well as an estimate of overall carbon emissions.
The user can then attempt to improve the reported outputs by amending the proposed design and revisiting the questions.
Alternatively, they can produce a new report and compare the two, or simply share, download, or lock the original.
What types of project does it cover?
When you start your report you will choose a template that allows you to answer questions relevant to your project. Users can choose from:
• Small private domestic, estimated budget less than £150,000
• Large private domestic, estimated budget more than £150,000
• Landscape design, commercial
• Landscape design, public realm
• Temporary show garden – RHS
• Maintenance and management.
What’s the benefit?
The elemental tool carries a range of potential benefits for landscaping businesses as well as the natural environment.
It can help to spot efficiencies before action is taken, or suggest changes that a designer may have overlooked. For instance, the tool could prompt users to reduce the amount of soil that needs to be removed from a site, potentially saving thousands of pounds in transport costs.
Government policy is also placing increasing pressure on all sectors to improve environmental performance, and elemental can help meet these challenges.
Moreover, there is greater-than-ever awareness of environmental issues among the public, and demonstrating
high standards to clients could provide a competitive edge.
Supporting industry goals
This initiative is part of a broader industry effort to address climate change.
In March 2024, BALI, in partnership with the Landscape Institute, released the 'Landscape and Carbon' report. This report underscores the role of the landscape sector in reducing carbon emissions and highlights the importance of adopting standardised data and tools for carbon assessment. The report also calls for collaboration among industry stakeholders to achieve net-zero projects, emphasising the need for a unified approach to carbon management in landscape architecture.
This collaborative effort is facilitated by elemental by providing a standardised framework for evaluating the environmental performance of landscape designs. By integrating elemental into their workflow, landscape professionals will be equipped to identify areas where their projects can achieve greater sustainability, and can enhance their capacity to deliver designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible, in turn contributing to the industry's collective goal of carbon reduction.
Visit the elemental website to read more about the tool, watch a recorded demonstration, or give it a go yourself: calculator.farmcarbontoolkit.org.uk/ elemental
what can you do when a dispute arises?
When one party in a landscaping contract is unhappy, be it a customer or contractor, BALI is there to help smooth the path.
Part of the benefit of being an Accredited BALI member is that the rigorous vetting you undertake to gain Accredited status elevates your standing in the industry, providing potential customers with a mark of quality and trust. At BALI we are rightly proud of our members and the high standards that they adhere to, which is reflected in the quality of work they produce.
However, we also know that even with the best of practices and intentions, things don’t always go to plan. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a client will be dissatisfied with a project outcome or particular elements of a job.
When a dispute arises, it can often be tricky to know what to do, especially if you aren’t experienced in this area, and long, costly legal battles can sometimes ensue.
But did you know that BALI offers a Dispute Resolution Service as part of your membership?
So, exactly how does it work and what steps can you take to safeguard your business and its reputation (and possibly even win over the disgruntled client) when a dispute does occur?
Historically, the last resort for disagreements between clients and tradespeople was the courts. Options for relatively low value civil claims such as small claims, fast-track and multi-track simplified the process and proved popular among businesses and customers alike.
However, a significant backlog arose during 2020 - 2021 and resulted in long waiting times for court hearings which continue to the present day. Delays of over 12 months are not unheard of.
To reduce the burden on the courts, a greater emphasis has been placed on dispute resolution services, which seek to resolve disputes before they reach the courts. In many cases a court will specify dispute resolution before initiating court proceedings.
At the heart of the service is the Dispute Resolution Ombudsman (DRO) – an independent, impartial body with expertise in resolving complaints. Customers can rest assured that their concerns will be handled fairly and without bias. Better still, the service is completely free for customers who have used an Accredited BALI designer or contractor.
Importantly, the Ombudsman also ensures that the process is impartial and fair on behalf of BALI members too, meaning that both sides of a dispute get an unbiased outcome, being able to find in favour of either party.
Unlike litigation, which can drag on for months (or even years!) and rack up hefty legal fees, this alternative dispute resolution process is streamlined, accessible, and designed to reach a clear and enforceable conclusion. Importantly, any resolution decided by the Ombudsman is legally binding.
What complaints can be considered?
The Dispute Resolution Service is specifically designed to address concerns about the quality or delivery of services provided. This includes both landscaping work completed by an Accredited contractor and design services carried out by an Accredited landscape designer.
So, whether a patio hasn’t been laid to specification or a planting scheme hasn’t matched the agreed design, the service can help to address the issue, mediate a fair outcome, and ensure professional standards are upheld.
Limitations of the service
As with all formal processes, there are some boundaries to what the DRO can take on. The service cannot assist if:
• The contractor or designer is not a current BALI Member
• The business in question has ceased trading, entered administration or liquidation
• The complaint is already being dealt with by a court or another Ombudsman scheme
• The customer has already accepted a full and final settlement for the same dispute
• More than three months have passed since receiving the final response from the BALI Member about the complaint
Understanding these exclusions helps ensure that customers enter the process with clear expectations and that the Ombudsman can focus on cases where they are best placed to assist.
The DRO will base its decision on several key factors: the evidence provided by both parties, the legal obligations relevant to the contract, and what is deemed fair and reasonable given the situation. This approach gives the Ombudsman the flexibility to reach practical outcomes that go beyond the rigid confines of the law.
For example, possible outcomes of a complaint may include:
• Remedial work to fix faults
• A refund (full or partial)
• A gesture of goodwill or written explanation from the Member
• Compensation, provided the customer can supply evidence of any financial loss incurred
• A finding in favour of the BALI member
While the BALI Member is required to comply with the Ombudsman’s decision, the customer retains the right to reject the outcome and pursue other legal avenues if they are not satisfied. This balance ensures fairness on both sides.
The process is designed to be as straightforward and transparent as possible. Once a complaint is lodged, the Ombudsman will send the customer a Client Resolution Form, which gathers essential project details. The customer is also asked to supply supporting evidence, including:
• The original contract and specifications
• Design drawings or bill of quantities
• High-resolution photographs of the works (and any problem areas)
• Email or letter correspondence exchanged throughout the project
• Details of any changes or variations made during the works
This full set of information is then shared with the BALI Member involved, who is invited to respond with their own version of events and supporting documentation.
At this stage, an Ombudsman will begin a process of conciliation - working with both sides to try and reach a resolution without the need for escalation. If this isn’t successful, or if the evidence is inconclusive, the complaint may proceed to adjudication.
In more complex cases, the Ombudsman may appoint an Independent Expert Witness to visit the project site, assess the work in question, and offer a professional opinion. Once all the information is reviewed, a final Adjudication Report will be issued.
The Dispute Resolution Service is not just about settling disputes — it’s also a key part of maintaining the high standards and accountability expected of BALI Members. It gives customers confidence that they are protected and that, should issues arise, there is a fair and efficient path to resolution.
For BALI Members, the service offers a chance to resolve disputes professionally and transparently, often avoiding the reputational and financial damage that can come from unresolved complaints.
Why use the dispute resolution service as a BALI member?
The Dispute Resolution Service offers several important benefits for BALI members, including:
1. Preserving professional reputation
When a dispute arises, handling it through an official, independent body shows a commitment to transparency. BALI members who engage with the process demonstrate that they take complaints seriously and are willing to resolve issues fairly, which can protect and even enhance their reputation within the industry.
2. Encouraging early resolution
The service promotes conciliation before adjudication, meaning many disputes can be resolved through dialogue and compromise, avoiding escalation. By offering an effective alternative to court proceedings, the service helps members avoid potentially costly legal disputes.
3. Offering a structured, fair process
Rather than navigating a complaint informally, which can lead to misunderstandings and further frustration, members benefit from a clear, consistent process. This ensures that both parties are heard and that decisions are made based on evidence, contractual obligations, and what is fair and reasonable.
"Members are held accountable, which helps maintain customer trust"
4. Maintaining standards across the industry
Participation in the service reinforces BALI’s commitment to upholding high standards in landscape design and construction. Members are held accountable, which helps maintain customer trust across the industry – a key benefit for all those associated with BALI.
5. Getting support from an expert ombudsman
Members benefit from the involvement of a neutral third-party expert who understands the nuances of the landscaping industry. This ensures that complaints are judged with appropriate context and technical insight, rather than being misunderstood in a generic legal setting.
6. Helping to resolve miscommunication
Many disputes arise from miscommunication. The DRO process allows for these to be aired and clarified in a formal setting, which can often de-escalate tensions and lead to practical solutions without further conflict.
7. Protecting long-term client relationships
Even when things go wrong, a well-managed resolution process can preserve or repair the working relationship with a client. Handling a dispute professionally can leave a lasting positive impression and even lead to future referrals or work.
8. Reinforcing the value of
By offering access to a professional dispute resolution process, BALI provides its members with a valuable benefit that sets them apart from non-accredited businesses. It shows customers that, as a BALI member, you’re committed to fair dealings and high standards, even when difficulties arise.
For more information about the Dispute Resolution Service, visit:
bali.org.uk/help-and-advice/disputeresolution-service
www.chic-teak.co.uk
Supplying everything from topsoil to tree shelters to wild ower seed, Green-tech is proud to work with landscape professionals to create beautiful, sustainable and biodiverse landscapes.
•More than 5,000 products and a robust supply chain
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As the new headline sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards from 2025 to 2027, Origin Enterprises is boldly stating its commitment to the landscaping industry. We met TJ Kelly, the Divisional Managing Director of Living Landscapes at Origin Enterprises, to learn more.
For those who might not know, could you introduce Origin Enterprises and explain its role within the landscaping sector?
“Origin Enterprises is an international group offering a range of technically-led solutions, products and services across the agriculture, sports, landscapes and environmental markets. Our Living Landscapes businesses offer future-ready products, services, and advice across the sports, environmental, and landscapes sectors. These businesses cater to the growing demand for ecologically and environmentally sustainable inputs and practices from organisations in the amenity, urban & infrastructure development, and environmental markets.”
Why did Origin Enterprises want to be the headline sponsor of the BALI National Landscape Awards?
“We saw it as a natural fit. Green-tech, one of our businesses within the Living Landscapes division, has sponsored the BALI Awards for the past 10 years, so there was already a strong and valued connection. As Origin, we recognised this was a fantastic opportunity to build on that legacy and bring together all the companies we have acquired under one umbrella. It enables us to show the collective strength, innovation, and sustainability focus of the wider group, and to support the landscaping industry that many of our businesses are part of.”
Can you tell us more about the Living Landscapes division and its three areas of focus?
“Origin’s Living Landscapes division unites expertise across its businesses in the Sports, Landscapes, and Environmental markets.
In landscapes, we’re proud to have British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Green-tech, Groundtrax, and Suregreen. Together, they supply soils, trees, tree planting systems, wildflowers, ground protection, and all landscaping materials to support all projects, from urban greening schemes to large-scale infrastructure developments.
The sports division includes Agrigem, Elixir Garden Supplies, Linemark, Origin Amenity Solutions and PB Kent. These businesses deliver advanced turf management solutions, professional-grade grass seed, line-marking paints, and expert agronomic advice for stadiums, golf courses, sports pitches, and public amenity areas.
Environmental consultancy is a newer focus, but an increasingly essential one as biodiversity net gain (BNG), planning, and climate resilience shape the future of land management. We deliver specialist services across ecology, arboriculture, biodiversity planning, and environmental impact assessments through respected companies including Brooks Ecological, GE Consulting, Avian Ecology, Bowland Ecology, Keystone, Scott Cawley and Neo Environmental.
Bringing these companies under one division allows us to offer a truly integrated, sustainable approach to land management; something we believe is increasingly essential for the future of landscaping and the wider built environment.”
Environmental consultancy isn't a typical area for BALI. How do you see it benefiting our members?
“We see this area as complementary to the natural evolution of great landscaping. As legislation tightens and sustainability expectations grow, clients need greater end-to-end support to deliver beautiful landscapes, achieve BNG targets, secure planning consents, and future-proof developments.
By bringing expert consultancy into the mix, we can help BALI members stay ahead of the curve, providing practical, joined-up solutions that meet ecological and commercial goals. We endeavour to strengthen the value of landscaping, making it even more purposeful and resilient for the future.”
What message would you like to send to BALI members and future awards entrants?
“We are committed to supporting the future of landscaping, in all its forms. We’re here to celebrate your achievements, champion innovation, and help drive sustainable best practice across the industry. We can't wait to see the inspiring projects the 2025 BALI Awards will showcase.”
To find out more about Origin Enterprises and its Living Landscapes division, visit:
originenterprises.com
LIVING LANDSCAPES:
By combining decades of expertise from Origin Enterprises’ diverse businesses, the Living Landscapes divison provides complete, sustainable solutions for a greener future for those involved in the Sports, Landscaping and Environmental sectors.
SPORTS. LANDSCAPES. ENVIRONMENT.
From high-performance turf care and green solutions to ecological consulting and biodiversity management, our businesses provide the tools and knowledge to create sustainable spaces. Find out how we can support your projects today.
Blakedown Landscapes has been appointed as Principal Contractor to deliver phase one of the Connected Canterbury – Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Story Gardens package of works, a major public realm enhancement scheme that will transform three key sites in the city: Dane John Gardens, the historic City Wall, and Castle Row car park.
Funded by the UK Government through the Levelling Up Fund, the scheme has been commissioned by Canterbury City Council and designed by HTA Design LLP. The works will create a series of “story gardens”, landscaped spaces that combine physical
improvements with interpretation and wayfinding to reveal Canterbury’s layered history and enhance connectivity across the city centre.
At Dane John Gardens, the programme includes widening the central avenue, resurfacing paths, and reinstating historical planting. A new kiosk and outdoor terrace, improved terracing around the WWII shell shelters, and sensitive restoration of benches, lamp columns, and railings will improve both access and amenity. Wildflower meadows and new trees will help reframe the historic Mound, which will also see the reinstatement of direct steps to the pinnacle.
Improvements to the City Wall include upgraded surfacing along the walkway, new planting and wildflower meadows, and the introduction of seating and signage to support public engagement and wayfinding.
At Castle Row, a reconfigured car park layout, hedge planting and SuDS features
Every tree you plant, every lawn you mow, and every landscape you design has an impact on your bottom line, especially when it comes to corporation tax. For landscaping professionals, corporation tax might feel like a necessary cost of doing business, but with a few clever strategies, you can trim your tax bill and reinvest the savings into your business.
Tax-saving strategies that take root
Many business owners miss out on approved HMRC reliefs because they’re not aware of what they can claim. Here are some key areas where a little knowledge goes a long way:
Maximise pension contributions to lower taxable profits. By paying more into your pension scheme, you deduct contributions before tax is calculated, helping you save now and build retirement security later.
• Claim trivial benefits for staff and directors. Small perks under £50 can be provided tax-free. It’s a simple way to boost morale without adding to your tax burden.
• Make the most of work-from-home relief. It allows limited company directors to claim up to £312 per year, simplifying paperwork with a flat-rate allowance.
• Use fuel and mileage allowances for personal vehicles used on the job.
will soften the public realm, supported by a new shared-use path and tree-lined views toward the Castle Keep and Dane John Gardens. Landscape elements will reinterpret the former castle curtain wall and ditch, strengthening the site's historical connection to the surrounding gardens and city wall.
Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director, Blakedown Landscapes, said, "This is a landmark project for Canterbury and we’re extremely proud to be entrusted with delivering it. We look forward to working with Canterbury City Council, HTA Design and other stakeholders to bring this vision to life."
You can claim 45p per mile for the first 10,000 miles.
• Some relevant life insurance premiums are tax-deductible, giving your team valuable cover while trimming your tax bill.
If you'd prefer to be on-site rather than wrestling with tax regulations, read our free guide “Cut Corporation Tax – A Business Owner’s Guide to Boosting Tax Efficiency”, packed with practical tips, clear explanations, and simple steps to help you keep more of what you earn. Scan the QR code to download.
sonesaccountancy.co.uk
sculptures and mower for cutting purchased another
excavating and landscaping cuttings and leaves systems off one If we can attach and safe to use. I
“Here at the Garden of Cosmic Speculation with it’s vast landscapes, sculptures and gardens we are never short of jobs to do. We already have a SXG mower for cutting the lawns and one TXG tractor, so to help with the workload we purchased another TXGS24 23hp subcompact tractor.
“With the front loader and bucket fitted it’s largely used for excavating and landscaping purposes. It’s also used for towing trailers, transporting grass cuttings and leaves for easy disposal. With the two tractors we can run the PTO’s and systems o one trailer and can unload into a trailer attached to the other tractor. If we can attach something to them, then we can use it.
“ISEKI o er exactly what we need, they are reliable, comfortable and safe to use. I would recommend these machines to absolutely anyone.”
Ben Wakefield, Portrack House
introduce the new standard
Setting new standards in the 60cc class, the new MS 400.1 forestry chainsaw offers professionals the best power-to-weight ratio of any professional chainsaw on the market.
A second advantage of the MS 400.1 is the 4.3Nm of torque. When cutting large timber, the saw is less pressure sensitive and less likely to bog down mid-cut.
As well as technical improvements to the engine, a larger magnesium flywheel and improved muffler help to keep the saw cool during operation. A new larger HD2 filter keeps the saw running in tough conditions and cuts down on maintenance and downtime during the working day.
The geometry of the rear handle has also been improved for more comfortable handling, and the end profile has been widened to rest securely on the operator's leg, resulting in easier plunge cutting.
www.stihl.co.uk
The industry’s 6th SoilsCon will take place on Friday, 26th September, 9am-4.30pm, once again, at the elegant Phyllis Court in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, giving delegates a day of invaluable and targeted professional development, discussion, and debate.
Organised by BALI Accredited Supplier and leading soil science and landscape engineering consultants Tim O’Hare Associates LLP, the conference will focus on practical approaches and solutions to the key soil issues and challenges of the day.
The speaker lineup of leading industry experts will cover a range of topical subjects and use live case studies to evidence the importance of soil health, building biodiversity, and embracing the circular economy to achieve project success. A full list of speakers with topics will be announced shortly but confirmed speakers include:
RFS sets out vision to 2035
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) has launched its Strategy to 2035, outlining an ambitious decade-long plan to bring more woods into management and drive an increase in tree cover across the UK.
The Strategy lays out plans to develop skills and talent within the sector and support the growth of a stronger home-grown timber market. The RFS wants to see a restoration of biodiversity in woodlands and greater resilience to pests, diseases and climate change.
At the heart of the new strategy is bringing more woods into active management. Well-managed woods benefit wildlife and local communities, increase the reliability and volume of homegrown timber, and absorb more carbon than neglected woods.
"We are facing greater challenges today than ever before, as a sector and in wider society," said Christopher Williams, RFS Chief Executive. "We believe that forestry can and must play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. The new Strategy reaffirms the direction of the Society and describes what we need to do to affect the change we wish to see."
rfs.org.uk/about-us/our-strategy-to-2035
• Tim O’Hare, Principal Consultant, Tim O’Hare Associates
• Tim White, Senior Associate, Tim O’Hare Associates
• Bunny Guinness, Landscape Architect, BBC Gardeners’ Question Time panellist and Sunday Telegraph columnist
• Martin Knight, Landscape Architect, Studio Knight Stokoe
• Simon Parfey, Founding Director, SoilBioLab
• John Coles, Managing Director, Bury Hill Landscape Supplies
• Max Aughton, Landscape Architect, Studio Egret West
Tim O’Hare Associates’ popular Soil Surgery will be held during the breaks.
BALI, LI and SGD members can obtain a special delegate rate of £100 + VAT per person (non-members £130 + VAT), to include lunch and all refreshments throughout the day.
For further information email sharon.frost@toha.co.uk or call 01491 822653.
Our engineered tree pits and SuDS solutions are precision-designed to easily integrate with your site.
Manufactured in the UK, GreenBlue Urban’s modular products have been developed for ease and speed of installation, with seamless end-to-end technical support to provide your scheme with mature, healthy trees.
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A meandering solution that changed the landscape of an iconic vista for the better
The Glasshouse Borders at RHS Garden Wisley are justifiably famous and yet have been reimagined into the Oudolf Landscape. Angus Crichton, Marketing Manager at ACO House & Garden, explores how this reimagining slows the movement of both people and rainwater through the landscape, while helping to protect it from Britain’s changing climate.
How do you ‘improve’ one of Britain’s iconic horticultural vistas within a flagship garden?
The Glasshouse Borders at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Wisley in Surrey flanked a wide grass avenue down towards the imposing Glasshouse at the bottom of the slope. The borders were crammed with diagonal strips of planting, which in summer produced successive waves of changing colour and shape to delight visitors as they strolled down the slope to the Glasshouse. Could such a spectacular area even be improved? RHS Garden Wisley believed it possible.
"The RHS Curatorial Team were concerned that a heavy downpour could erode the paths and soil in the surrounding beds"
So, they turned to the original designer who created the Glasshouse Borders more than twenty years ago – Piet Oudolf, inviting him to revisit his vision for the site. His new design changes how both people and water move through the landscape. Both the single avenue and the focus on the Glasshouse have been replaced by a meandering journey through the planting, while keeping the Glasshouse in view from various angles. Visitors are carried along serpentine wider paths, all while narrower side routes beckon to take them on detours
that loop back to the main. These winding trails move through different planting styles as block planting gives way to matrix planting. The longer journey gives visitors more time to appreciate the whopping 36,000 plants enroute – selected to benefit wildlife as much as to delight human onlookers.
The journey of rainwater through the garden has similarly been slowed with beneficial results. The snaking paths are constructed from self-binding gravel, which allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground where it falls. This benefits the surrounding planting during Britain’s increasingly dry summers. However, climate change also delivers periods of intense rainfall alongside drought. Consequently, the RHS Curatorial Team were concerned that a heavy downpour could erode the paths and soil in the surrounding beds, particularly as a path turned the corner on the downward slope.
On these curves, ACO channel drains have been installed diagonally across the path, to capture the runoff and direct it into soakaways constructed under the planting. A sump unit was installed at each outlet to capture silt and so protect the soakaway from clogging up. The RHS Curatorial Team saw this as imperative because a silted-up soakaway would necessitate its excavation and therefore large-scale disruption to the planting above. Instead, periodic cleaning of the sump unit will ensure the soakaway’s proper functioning for many years, enabling rainwater off the path to infiltrate into the surrounding soil.
While most of the traffic is pedestrian, the wider paths are also regularly traversed by utility vehicles pulling a trailer. These smallscale pickup trucks are used by the Garden’s horticultural staff as they move around the large 240-acre site. Therefore, the RHS Curatorial Team chose ACO’s polymer concrete RainDrain channels with cast iron HeelGuard gratings. Both channel and grating have been certified to Load Class B 125, which enables them to withstand the force exerted by a private car. Consequently, the RainDrain channels are strong enough to support the utility vehicles, alongside RHS Garden Wisley’s one million visitors each year.
Blakedown Landscapes, who installed the ACO drains, said, “The ACO drainage system supplied for the Oudolf Landscape at RHS Garden Wisley was simple to install and seamlessly integrated into the overall design. Each drain was strategically connected to soakaways within the planting beds, ensuring efficient stormwater management and preventing waterlogging. The chosen style matched the existing drainage solutions across the wider garden, offering a consistent and aesthetically pleasing result. The system has performed exceptionally well, safeguarding the integrity of the landscape while being easy to maintain going forward.”
Now Piet Oudolf’s new design slows the journey of both people and rainwater through his new border at RHS Garden Wisley, to the benefit of visitors, wildlife and the environment.
www.aco.co.uk/house-and-garden
Going for gold: BALI members in full bloom at
Arguably the pinnacle of the horticultural calendar, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show saw BALI members steal the show with their fantastic and awe-inspiring garden designs. Our editor, Luke Garner, takes a glance back at how it all happened.
Every year, our members who are lucky enough to produce gardens for the RHS Chelsea Flower Show spend months agonising over plans.
Every year, they pour countless hours of expertise and ideas into their creations.
Every year, these members conjure up Swiss watch-levels of timekeeping and logistical precision to make sure everything is executed absolutely flawlessly, ready for the moment the gates open to the public.
And every year, they have to contend with juggling the day-to-day demands of running a business at the same time.
Still, every year, it is totally worth it in the end.
So, it is with great delight that it shaped up to be yet another bumper year for BALI members in 2025, with a doubledigit haul of Gold medals bestowed upon them for their efforts, along with a whole smorgasbord of other medals and accolades being shared between them too.
Top of the billing this year were The Outdoor Room, who picked up the prestigious RHS Chelsea Small Garden of the Year award, as well as a Best Construction Award and Gold medal award.
Their build of the incredible “The Addleshaw Goddard: Freedom To Flourish Garden” stood out for its advocation against the rising tide of “being too busy”. Inspired by a Norfolk colloquialism (slow you down), the design explored the mental health benefits of living an unhurried lifestyle, spending time in nature, gardens and gardening.
“We are over the moon with this year’s results - Gold Medal and Best Construction on The Avenade Intelligent Garden for Tom Massey, and Gold Medal, Best Construction and Best Small Garden Award on the Addleshaw Goddard Freedom To Flourish Garden for Joe and Laura Carey. We are so proud of all of our team, both onsite and back at base, who have given everything to achieve these incredible results,” commented Mark Britton, Managing Director, The Outdoor Room.
They didn’t stop there though, with another Gold medal and Best Construction award presented to them for the build of “The Avanade Intelligent Garden”.
Our BALI Board Directors also got in on the act, with Jake Catling, Director of The Landscaping Consultants Limited, and Mark Gregory, owner of Landform Consultants Limited, both receiving the highest medal denomination available at the show.
Jake achieved a gold medal for building the garden “The King’s Trust Garden: Seeding Success”, which was designed by Joe Perkins. It took inspiration from hostile landscapes where plants have developed strategies to grow and set seed successfully. It had a focus on seeds as the potential in nature – as they represent the future, the resilience of young people, and how they can thrive given the opportunity.
Mark, meanwhile, was delighted to walk away with not just one, but two Golds in total, as well as a Silver gilt award. The gardens “Killik & Co ‘Save for a Rainy Day’ Garden” and “Boodles Raindance Garden” bagged the top honours, with The Hospitalfield Arts Garden receiving the highly-rated Silver gilt medal.
Mark’s first gold came for the eloquently built “Killik & Co Save for a Rainy Day Garden”, which highlighted the challenges and possibilities of a warming climate. Designed by Landform’s Baz Grainger, it aimed to show what our UK garden could
be like in 25 years from now, and how we could future-proof the home and garden in light of the warmer climate and more unpredictable weather patterns, drought and flood conditions that are already being experienced across the UK.
His second gold medal came thanks to designer Catherine MacDonald, an MBALI at Landform Consulting. Her garden, “Boodles Raindance Garden” represented the impact of water on stone. Of particular note was the domed roof of the Raindance Pavilion, which channels rainwater into a circular rill at its base, symbolising the ‘dance of rain on water’, as well as contributing to rainwater capture.
On something of a hot streak, Surrey-based PC Landscapes followed up their BALI
National Landscape Awards 2024 win in the Domestic Garden Construction Scheme £150-£250k category with a two-award haul at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. They won a Gold medal for their build of the London Square Chelsea Pensioners Garden (designed by BALI member Dave Green), while they also received a Silver Gilt Medal for The ADHD Foundation Garden.
Elsewhere, there were also accolades for plethora of other BALI members at the showpiece event.
As the sun shone down on the early morning of the second day, BALI Accredited designer Masa Taniguchi was enthused to be aptly awarded a Gold medal for his design of the Japanese-inspired “Komorebi Garden”. Named for the Japanese word
“Komorebi”, meaning when light pierces through a tree canopy and the gently swaying branches make shadows dance on the ground, it was built by BALI member company Garden Club London, and it played with dappled shade and shimmering lights to create mesmerising patterns all around.
Speaking about his award, Masa said, "The opportunity to showcase and win a medal at Chelsea has meant a lot to me. It has been a huge boost to my confidence and a milestone that celebrates my past experience and efforts. It will allow me to progress to the next steps in my career. Garden Club London supported me along the way and shows that the company culture is dedicated to cultivating individuals by providing opportunities and experience, not only for designers, but for everyone involved
in the project. I hope that this experience encourages others to also pursue their dreams in the industry."
Getting in on the celebrations, Acacia Gardens picked up a Gold medal too. Their build, created by Matthew Butler and Josh Parker, was another to tackle the topic of climate change, promoting the use of climate-resilient crops and resilient planting, draped in a pink, purple and white palette.
Hailing from near Bury St Edmunds, Gadd Brothers Trees & Landscapes shared Gold for the aforementioned Boodles Raindance Garden, while The Glasshouse Garden saw Ryan Alexander Associates deservedly enjoying a Gold for their celebration of the transformative effect of second chances
through horticulture. It embodied the sense of purpose, self-belief and hope The Glasshouse programme offers to women as they approach the end of their prison sentences, through a programme of horticultural training, employment and resettlement support.
Rounding up the vast array of accolades for BALI members, designers Jenny Donnelly and Catherine Gibbon teamed up with the Landscape Group to gain Gold for “Room to Breathe Hospital Garden for the TSA”, while Zoe Claymore of Zoe Claymore Garden Design and Caroline and Peter Clayton of Viriditas Studio saw their gardens rewarded with a Silver Gilt and a Bronze medal respectively.
©RHS/Neil Hepworth
One project that particularly stood out for its message was the “Tackle HIV Challenging Stigma Garden”. Designed by Manoj Malde and built by BALI member JJH Landscapes, it drew inspiration from the significant scientific and medical advancements made in HIV treatment over the last 40 years. Statues by artist Ralph Bourdoukan served as a solemn tribute to lives lost to HIV and the stigma that sadly persists, while hexagonal paving reflected a key chemical structure found within many HIV medications. Eschscholzia californica ‘Red Chief’ tied the scheme together, echoing the red ribbon that is the universal symbol of HIV awareness and support.
The garden was supported by and visited by a special celebrity guest - former Wales international rugby union star Gareth Thomas, who himself has been diagnosed with HIV and is involved with the Terrence Higgins Trust, a leading HIV and sexual health charity. He has launched the Tackle HIV campaign with ViiV Healthcare to break the stigma surrounding HIV and improve public understanding of the virus.
The awards weren’t solely limited to installations either, with member company Hillier Nurseries snagging the top award for their ground-breaking new plant introduction, Philadelphus x ‘Petite Perfume Pink’. Named as RHS Chelsea Plant of the Year 2025, it marked another proud milestone in the company’s long horticultural heritage.
©RHS/Sarah Cuttle
As for our own presence at the Show, we were proudly flying the flag for our membership, showcasing to the public the benefits of choosing a BALI member and the fantastic work they perform. Explaining how being a member requires a stringent accreditation process, as well as how customers of members can benefit from a fair, impartial dispute
resolution service if issues should ever arise, along with a myriad of other great reasons, showed them why choosing a BALI member is the smart and safe choice.
We were also delighted to build on the efforts of previous years by attaining a “Good” level award for our own trade stand. As such a high-profile and public-facing date in the calendar, achieving such an accolade gave us confidence that we were effectively representing the great work that our members do and properly championing the industry as a whole. Congratulations therefore must go to our Events Manager, Izzy Plain, and Head of Marketing, Rosie
Sayers, for their integral roles in designing and getting the BALI stand ready for the show, as well as everyone else at the Association who contributed to ensure landscaping shone it’s brightest during the week.
“The sheer volume of BALI member involvement and recognition is a testament to the strength of the Association, the leadership we provide to the industry, and the value of the network to members,” said Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of BALI. “Being part of an organisation that has members who are held in such high regard is not only great for the reputation and branding of ourselves and our member organisations, but also an invaluable source of networking and learning opportunities for all involved, helping to elevate standards and ensure a bright future.”
Details of all the installations and award winners can be found on the RHS Chelsea website:
www.rhs.org.uk
Clockwise from top left:
• The King’s Trust Garden Seeding Success
• The Avanade Intelligent Garden
• The Hospitalfield Arts Garden
• The Addleshaw Goddard Freedom To Flourish Garden
• Down’s Syndrome Scotland Garden
A carefully designed & installed water feature will provide focus within a
Is a modular furniture system that can be extended in endless combinations. The bench comes in two widths, with or without a backrest and armrests. Straight, angled, and curved connection elements mean that the seats can be joined to create long linear benches, bespoke curved radius and circles.
Fleet management can be both time consuming and confusing, with lots of moving parts to track. BALI member, Herd Group, provide advice on the benefits of outsourcing to a total fleet mobility solution..
Every business has unique requirements for its vehicle fleet, but one priority remains consistent – minimising downtime.
Outsourcing fleet management to a provider such as ourselves, offering a comprehensive mobility solution, gives businesses access to a wide range of tailored services. These can include streamlined maintenance processes, supply chain resilience, improved operational efficiency, reduced administrative workload, and support with regulatory compliance.
Whether you manage a single van or a fleet
of a hundreds, an outsourced provider can scale its offerings to meet your specific needs, giving you the flexibility to build a bespoke solution that supports your business goals.
Access to expert knowledge and resources
Fleet management is both complex and time-consuming, requiring a high level of expertise. By outsourcing, companies can leverage the skills and industry knowledge of experienced professionals who handle
everything from vehicle acquisition, servicing, and repairs to driver management and eventual disposal.
A true end-to-end solution, often referred to as a "cradle-to-grave" approach, ensures every aspect of the fleet lifecycle is carefully managed. Whether your business needs support with purchasing, renting, or maintaining vehicles, working with a knowledgeable partner ensures that solutions are designed and implemented to optimise performance and reduce disruption.
Unplanned maintenance resulting in vehicle downtime can cause serious financial losses, far beyond the repair costs alone. Lost revenue from unavailable vehicles is often overlooked, despite being a significant burden.
An effective outsourced provider helps businesses establish strict procedures to minimise VOR. Maintenance technicians review and authorise work promptly, ensuring vehicles are returned to service quickly. By acting as an extension of your team, these experts deliver technical support that aligns closely with your operational needs, helping to keep your fleet on the road and your business moving.
If your vehicles require specific adaptations – such as ramps, reinforced flooring, tow bars, or bespoke storage solutions – a fullservice provider can coordinate conversions through partnerships with specialist suppliers. High-spec vehicle customisation, including enhanced security features like advanced locking systems and alarms, ensures your vehicles are fit for purpose and ready for immediate deployment.
This reduces downtime and simplifies the process, allowing your team to focus on revenue-generating activities rather than vehicle preparation.
When a leased or rented vehicle is returned, damage-related repair costs are a common pain point. Many businesses underestimate these expenses or fail to budget for them entirely. These costs have risen due to various industry factors, including increased labour rates, supply chain challenges, and compliance with standards such as BS10125, which demands qualified personnel, specialised tools, and rigorous quality assurance.
A reliable fleet management partner, such as Herd, will have systems in place to minimise these costs through strategic supplier relationships and volume pricing. Repairs are carried out to fair wear and tear standards, ensuring transparency and consistency. In some cases, businesses may be offered the opportunity to purchase damaged vehicles, potentially reducing unplanned expenses and adding long-term value.
Disposal is the final stage in the fleet lifecycle. A professional provider will closely monitor each vehicle’s lifespan and notify you of upcoming replacement timelines well in advance. This proactive approach helps avoid unnecessary costs and ensures your fleet stays up to date.
Fleet partners can also support end-of-life value recovery by helping you spec new vehicles strategically and maximise resale value. With a structured disposal plan, you’ll be better positioned to maintain operational efficiency and manage your total cost of ownership effectively.
Outsourcing your fleet management operations allows your business to benefit from deep industry expertise, flexible service offerings, and cost-saving strategies across the entire vehicle lifecycle. From acquisition and maintenance to customisation and resale, a dedicated mobility partner can help your fleet run smarter, leaner, and more efficiently.
The Herd Group, are experts in the provision and management of commercial vehicles within the rental and fleet management channels, a respected and leading brand, recognised as the industry leader in providing exceptional customer care.
herdgroup.co.uk
More than just providing homes for insects, the benefits of biodiversity are rapidly gaining in the public consciousness as a key element in garden design. Jamie Langlands, Lead Designer, Oxford Garden Design, further explores this concept.
“One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between man and nature shall not be broken.” – Leonard Tolstoy.
Most people believe that since Tolstoy’s death in 1910, we have seen a trend to the opposite take place, with rising public awareness of the consequent lost wildlife, concerns about climate change and increasing urbanisation. In the world of landscaping, this growing realisation has seen a shift to active, creative conservation.
“As designers, we’ve a unique opportunity to reverse that damage by creating spaces that support biodiversity.”
In the world of garden design, biodiversity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a vital principle that shapes healthy, resilient, and beautiful landscapes. Biodiversity is the variety of life in all its forms - plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms - that make up the intricate web of life. A biodiverse garden supports a wide range of species and promotes the ecological interactions that underpin healthy ecosystems.
Why does this matter?
Ecosystems aren’t just scenic backdrops. They clean our air and water, enrich soil, regulate climate, and support life, including our own. But with the pressures of urbanisation and climate change growing rapidly, these systems are under threat.
As designers, we have a unique opportunity – and responsibility – to reverse some of that damage by creating spaces that support and enhance biodiversity.
Wildlife-friendly gardens are often dismissed as messy or as a friend once put it “a bit like an old woolly jumper”. But what I’ve discovered is that these gardens are full of intention and intelligence. One standout lesson I’ve learned is the importance of interconnected habitats. Some insects, for example, often won’t cross wide open paths. That’s when the idea of the “biodiverse jigsaw” clicked – connecting habitats beyond the garden fence.
Consider this: the total area of all National Nature Reserves in England is just 0.7% of the land surface. But the combined area of private gardens is 459% larger. That’s a staggering difference and a huge opportunity.
Biodiversity in garden design isn’t just about one garden, but about many. It’s about designing at the community level. Let’s take a fictional neighbourhood: Sue has a pond with Anemone nemorosa, Linaria purpurea, and valerian. Two doors down, Ian has created a woodland patch with birch, hazel, and digitalis, complete with hibernacula and log stacks. Next door, the Johnsons have a long-grass area with bug hotels and playful pathways for kids. These three gardens now form a network – connected habitats improving local ecology.
And biodiversity doesn't have to mean high maintenance. In fact, many clients love the idea of doing less – leaving grass uncut, stacking logs, and using native plants that thrive without constant watering or fertilising. A well-designed biodiverse garden is often lower maintenance than a more formal space.
This year, I’m thrilled to be designing the “Hedgerow to Home” feature garden at RHS Malvern. Every time I look at a wild hedgerow – cut once a year, never watered, and teeming with life – I’m reminded how effective nature’s own designs can be. You don’t have to replicate a hedgerow, but you can mimic its principles: rich diversity, layers, and a year-round support system for wildlife.
"On your next drive home, glance at the natural landscape around you. That’s your design brief"
Inspiration is all around us
Use what grows naturally in your local area. Take Sue’s planting, for example – Anemone nemorosa 'Vestal', Linaria purpurea ‘Canon Went’, and Centranthus ruber ‘Albus’. Or Anthriscus sylvestris ‘Ravenswing’ beside a native hawthorn tree. Layering herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees to create microclimates, nesting spots, and pollinator havens.
Biodiversity must be considered from the very beginning of the design process, not tacked on as an afterthought. It’s the foundation of a resilient, sustainable garden and, more importantly, a beautiful one. So, on your next journey home, glance at the natural landscape around you. That’s your design brief. Take its cues. Because when you design a biodiverse garden, you’re designing for life in all its forms.
oxfordgardendesign.co.uk
Balancing sustainability with performance can be challenging for many landscaping businesses. Paul Hicks, Marketing & Product Manager at STIHL GB, explains how switching from petrol-powered to batterypowered tools can help.
As the industry continues to prioritise sustainability efforts, more landscaping professionals are transitioning from traditional petrol tools to battery-powered equivalents in a bid to become more environmentally conscious.
With advancements in the technology space taking place all the time, battery capabilities are evolving. Industry professionals can increasingly feel confident that the same powerful performance is guaranteed when making the switch from petrol tools to battery-operated machines.
But is it the right time to consider introducing battery tools to the fleet, and can these modern machines not only benefit the environment, but the operator’s workflow and productivity too?
Ensuring battery quality
Battery-operated machines have caught up with their petrol counterparts thanks to rapid technological advancements. Not only do more recent models offer comparable performance levels, but they also provide low weight, low vibration, and qualities that support easier maintenance.
With the battery driving the tool’s power, it is essential that landscapers commission professional-grade, high-quality, lithiumion batteries, such as those in STIHL’s AP System. This results in maximum productivity, key for busy professionals.
Landscapers should look for products that promise a consistent power output, resulting in zero loss of power as the battery discharges, allowing professionals to get on with tasks efficiently.
With the unpredictable UK weather, batteries should also be certified for use in wet conditions. IPX4-certified batteries are recommended, enabling professionals to get on with their work without the risk of damage to their tools.
Those looking to make the switch may be concerned about charging of tools. Being able to choose between slow, fast, and multi-chargers, as well as portable power supplies, allows professionals to charge day or night, using the most efficient method to suit their practices.
Productivity can also be boosted with connectivity integration. For example, STIHL’s AP System tools integrate easily with the STIHL Connected system, giving fleet managers visibility of battery health and statistics, as well as providing a platform for bespoke maintenance schedules for the entire fleet.
A phased introduction is recommended for operators who are used to working with petrol tools. Battery-powered hedge trimmers, such as the new HSA 140 and HSA 150, are an ideal place to start due to their high power, low weight, and long working times, giving operators a genuine alternative option to petrol-powered tools.
Another benefit is that such machines prevent exhaust fumes from accumulating in the hedge, promoting a better working environment.
In addition, thanks to their low noise output and high manoeuvrability, battery-powered lawnmowers can be ideal for work around busy public areas.
As a starting point, a mixed fleet of petrol and battery lawnmowers can allow professionals to make the most of the benefits of both options, giving businesses time to plan the number of batteries and chargers required for a full transition.
With various technological advancements built to provide professionals with excellent modern tools, there never has been a better time to start the switch to battery-powered tools.
www.stihl.co.uk
Potential changes to the regulations on peat usage could have a significant impact on landscapers across the UK. How can you best position to navigate these changes?
As members of BALI, we find ourselves at the forefront of a significant shift in horticultural practices. The UK's transition towards peat-free horticulture is not just a passing trend but a crucial step in our collective effort to combat climate change and protect vital ecosystems.
The importance of peatlands
Before delving into the regulations, it's essential to understand why this change is necessary. Peatlands are critical ecosystems that:
• Store vast amounts of carbon, helping to mitigate climate change
• Support unique biodiversity
• Play a crucial role in flood mitigation.
By moving away from peat use in horticulture, we're contributing to the preservation of these invaluable natural resources.
Regulatory pressures
• Retail Peat Ban
The previous Conservative government had announced a ban on peat-based compost to amateur gardeners, starting in 2024. However, while this ban has been tabled for now, it speaks to the general direction of travel. Indeed, there is currently a private members bill due for a second reading in July 2025, and although
a potential ban doesn't directly affect professional landscapers, it could set the tone for other future regulations and consumer expectations.
• Professional Use Restrictions
The previous government had also committed to banning the professional use of peat by 2030, with a phased reduction from 2026. Again, while the current government has not committed itself to this policy, the professional use of peat will face increasing scrutiny and likely eventual restrictions. It's crucial to stay updated on Defra's announcements regarding professional use policies and timelines.
• Final Phase
With sentiment heading towards bans for amateur gardeners and restrictions on professional use, full restrictions on peat use, with limited exemptions for scientific and conservation purposes, may not be far behind. The government's reasoning behind these changes is clear: to reduce carbon emissions, protect biodiversity, and restore degraded peatlands.
Impact on landscaping and horticulture
The potential changes to regulations pose a number of challenges for Landscape Professionals:
• Material Transition: Moving away from familiar peat-based products will require testing and adapting to new materials.
• Learning Curve: Different projects may require different peat-free solutions, necessitating a period of experimentation and learning.
• Cost Implications: Initially, peat-free alternatives may be more expensive due to production costs and fluctuating demand.
• Supply Chain Adjustments: Ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality peatfree composts could be challenging as demand rises.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that many companies within the horticultural industry have already been working diligently towards this transition. A growing number of companies have spent years researching and producing sustainable alternatives, such as wood fibre, coir, and biochar, and have integrated them into their operations. These efforts show that many are already ahead of the curve and actively creating products that will help the industry move toward a more sustainable and peatfree future.
As professionals, we have a unique opportunity to lead by example. Emphasising sustainable soil amendments in our projects can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of landscaping work. Additionally, while it's true that these new practices may take time to fully implement, it's equally important to understand that the industry needs time to research, test, and perfect alternative materials at the scale required for large projects. Given the immense volume of products the industry produces, patience is crucial as we transition.
Here are some sustainable alternatives that landscapers can incorporate into their practices:
• Composted Bark: Enhances soil structure, adds organic matter, and improves drainage.
• Wood Fibre: Improves aeration and drainage but may require additional nitrogen supplementation.
• Coconut Coir: Excellent for water retention, but source responsibly to minimize transportation impact.
• Green Compost: Enriches soil fertility but requires quality control to avoid contamination.
• Biochar: Improves soil health, enhances nutrient retention, and sequesters carbon.
• Wool and Bracken Compost: A highquality alternative that improves water retention and nutrient availability.
While these alternatives are promising, each has its unique characteristics, which will require landscapers to experiment and tailor their approach based on specific project needs. The time needed to fully scale up production and ensure widespread availability of these materials will be a key factor in how quickly they can replace peat.
Best practices for transitioning to peat-free landscaping
• Research and Test Alternatives: Conduct trials with various peat-free products for different projects and soil types.
• Collaborate with Suppliers: Work closely with suppliers to secure reliable sources of sustainable materials.
• Educate Clients: Communicate the benefits of peat-free practices, emphasising their role in supporting biodiversity and reducing carbon emissions.
• Adopt On-Site Composting: Explore closed-loop gardening techniques by creating compost from on-site organic waste.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with industry developments, government guidelines, and research findings.
The transition to peat-free landscaping is not just likely to be a future regulatory requirement but an opportunity for our industry to lead the way in sustainable horticulture. By adapting early and embracing these changes, we can stay ahead of industry shifts, meet evolving client expectations, and contribute significantly to environmental conservation efforts. However, it's crucial to recognise that many companies are already working diligently to develop suitable, sustainable alternatives. The industry's collective efforts, combined with the time needed to adjust methodologies, will help ensure a smooth and effective transition that benefits both the environment and the industry in the long term.
BALI’s Technical Manager (Policy & Research), Ian Ludgate, provides an update on the key legislation and policy news affecting the landscape industry at the moment.
The long-awaited National Action Plan (NAP), with a focus on the farming and amenity sectors, opens by highlighting the important role of pesticides in supporting food production, preserving natural landscapes, and maintaining public spaces.
But the document also points to the impacts of using pesticides too much or incorrectly, including biodiversity loss, human exposure, and pesticide resistance.
The NAP sets out three objectives to help reduce the risks of pesticide use and help meet existing statutory obligations:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to plant health which seeks to balance the use of pesticides with other, often preventative methods.
IPM is a well-known approach in the farming sector, with a range of measures available to complement pesticides, but its place in the amenity sector is less clear.
The NAP features a case study from Cambridge City Council, where a trial of specialised street-cleaning equipment and foam treatments led to fewer herbicide applications being needed.
“The UK government says that they want to remove barriers to Integrated Pest Management uptake”
Elsewhere, a survey of local authorities in Scotland found that the most common non-chemical measures used included mechanical control (strimming, mowing, weed brushing, and ripping), hand weeding, and supressing weed growth with mulches.
Many BALI members will already be offering these services to clients and it looks like the demand may only grow in the future.
The UK and devolved governments say that they want to remove barriers to IPM uptake in the amenity sector and point to the important role of training and certification.
Membership of assurance schemes like BASIS Amenity Assured is one way of ensuring the latest and best practices are followed.
The NAP also sets out an action around gathering more data on IPM and pesticide usage in the amenity and amateur sectors to better understand the state of play.
2. Set clear targets and measures to monitor use of pesticides
The UK is already committed to an international target around pesticides and regularly monitors usage but the NAP seeks to strengthen these measures.
Building on an international target to reduce the risks from pesticides by half by 2030, the document introduces a domestic target to reduce a range of specific risks from pesticides by 10% by 2030.
The domestic target covers 20 specific risks or metrics, mostly related to the potential farm of the pesticide to nontarget organisms but also its behaviour in the environment.
However, the new target currently only applies to the agricultural arable sector, leaving other farming sectors, the amenity sector, and amateur use out of scope.
The NAP says that the authorities do not currently have robust data on pesticide use in the amenity and amateur sectors but they will consider how to secure it to inform any further action.
Data on pesticide use in the amenity sector is collected through an official survey but only every four years as opposed to every two years for most farming sectors.
Despite its omission from the new target, BALI recognises that the amenity has a role to play in reducing the risks of pesticide use and will continue to work with others to drive and evidence further improvements
3. Strengthen
There are multiple sets of regulations in place to reduce the risks from selling and using pesticides, from the Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011 to the Plant Protection Products (Sustainable Use) Regulations 2012.
However, the UK and devolved governments think there is a need to improve compliance across all sectors, with the NAP setting out an aim to support awareness and understanding of the various legal requirements.
One way of achieving this will be updating the Codes of Practice for using pesticides in each of the UK nations – these documents set out practical advice for achieving compliance in all sectors, including amenity.
In addition, the governments will use evidence from enforcement activity, combined with wider intelligence gathering, to help develop a targeted approach to future inspections.
The NAP also commits officials to reviewing how membership of assurance schemes, such as The Amenity Standard and BASIS Amenity Assured, might be used to better target inspections.
gov.uk/government/publications/ukpesticides-national-action-plan-2025
Last July, the new UK Government fleshed out its manifesto commitment to build a new generation of new towns, inspired by post-war developments like Stevenage, Cwmbran, and Livingston.
The policy paper promised urban extensions and regeneration schemes, as well as a smaller number of large-scale communities built on greenfield land and separate from nearby settlements.
It also announced the creation of the New Towns Taskforce – an independent group of experts charged with advising the Government on the location of new towns, led by the former local government leader and BBC Chairman, Sir Michael Lyons.
While the work of the Taskforce continues, with its final shortlist of recommended locations due this summer, the House of Lords Built Environment Committee has launched an inquiry into various aspects of the new towns policy.
“The Committee asked for evidence on a range of issues around the practical delivery of new towns."
The group of 12 peers, chaired by Conservative Lord Gascoigne is looking at the practical delivery of new towns, before moving on to consider themes such as social infrastructure, housing delivery, and creating communities.
Given the central role of landscaping in new development, BALI has taken the opportunity to submit evidence to the inquiry on behalf of its members, clearly setting out what the sector needs from policy to help deliver new towns.
The Committee asked for evidence on a range of issues around the practical delivery of new towns, beginning with the most significant impacts, differences with past initiatives, and any barriers to good quality developments.
Aside from helping to meet the evergrowing housing demand, we suggested that the most significant impacts would be economic and environmental, with the relative importance of the latter being one key difference between future and post-war towns.
We also made it clear that landscaping industries could play a major role in delivering these benefits, from helping design private and public spaces to constructing them, maintaining them, and managing them into the future.
However, if our sector is going to fulfil its potential the Government must put supportive business policy in place – unlike the increase in Employer National Insurance Contributions and parts of the Employment Rights Bill – and help address the skills gap.
We highlighted an opportunity for the Government to take a similar approach to skills in landscaping as it has with construction, extending the recent announcement around training more young people into well-paid, high-skilled jobs over the next few years.
The Committee also wanted to hear from stakeholders about the strategic master planning of new towns, to which we underlined the need to design-in abundant and beneficial soft and hard landscapes from the outset and ensure continuity with the surrounding environment.
While considering our written submission, and any evidence submitted by others, peers are now taking oral evidence from selected individuals and will go on to publish a report on the practical delivery of new towns later this year.
We will continue to engage with the Committee as it moves on to explore other aspects of new towns, championing the role of landscaping and our members in new towns and telling peers what the sector needs from the Government to meet further demand for its services.
We have discussed the Employment Rights Bill – a flagship policy in the first year of the current Labour government - thoroughly in recent editions of Landscape News. With the Bill expected to gain royal assent this summer, we now take a look at some of the final parliamentary tweaks and expected timetable for implementation.
“The government has confirmed that the £125 minimum earnings threshold for Statutory Sick Pay will also be removed.”
The introduction of so-called “Day one rights”, where a qualifying period for Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) and other rights would be removed, will be one of
the most impactful parts of the Bill for many members. In recent months, the government has confirmed that the £125 minimum earnings threshold for SSP will also be removed, with employees entitled to the lower of 80% of average weekly earnings or the £118.75 flat rate.
Another key part of the Bill concerns new rights for workers on zero-hour and minimum-hour contracts, including guaranteed hours, notice of shifts, and compensation for shift changes. Following a consultation at the end of last year, the government has said that these provisions will also apply to qualifying agency workers, with responsibilities divided between the agency and end hirer. In March, the Bill was amended to allow employers to contract out of the provisions, though this would have to be done through a collective agreement with a trade union.
The original version of the Bill also removed the obligation on employers to hold collective consultation when planning to make 20 or more workers redundant in a 90-day period. However, the latest version has been amended to keep the obligation in place, though powers to change the threshold through further regulation are included instead.
While the Bill is due to become law shortly, many parts of it are not expected to take effect until partway through 2026, owing to the need for prior consultation on some – which provides BALI with a further opportunity to influence. We will continue to monitor the legislative process closely and keep members up to date with the most relevant developments for the landscaping sector.
Following my recent addition to the BALI policy team, we are delighted to announce that Amy Cobbett has joined us as Head of Policy and Public Affairs.
Amy brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously worked as a Rural Economy Advisor at the National Farmers Union (NFU).
You will no doubt see her at BALI and industry events over the coming months, so please do pop over to say hello.
If you have any questions for us as a team, you can email policy@bali.org.uk
down the law:
Few people like having to discipline employees for indiscretions, but when it does happen it’s important you do it correctly, both to help employees and to protect the business. The experts at Quest, a BALI member benefit provider, explain how best to approach these situations when they occur.
Handling disciplinary matters fairly and consistently is vital for any landscape business aiming to maintain a professional, productive, and legally compliant workforce. From informal chats to formal processes, understanding the correct approach can help resolve issues early and avoid costly disputes.
“In many cases, a supportive one-to-one chat can resolve the issue without escalating matters.”
When is an informal approach appropriate?
Not every issue requires a formal process. For minor concerns – such as occasional lateness, isolated conduct issues, or small errors – an informal conversation is often the best starting point. These discussions should be private, respectful, and constructive.
In many cases, a supportive one-toone chat can resolve the issue without escalating matters. Make a brief note of the meeting, even if it’s informal, to record the conversation that took place, in case the issue ever arises again.
When should a formal disciplinary process begin?
More serious matters or repeated incidents of poor behaviour may require a formal disciplinary procedure. Examples include breaches of health and safety protocols, inappropriate conduct on site or with clients, misuse of company equipment or vehicles, and persistent underperformance or unexplained absences.
Before initiating formal action, always carry out a fair investigation to establish the facts. This may involve reviewing timesheets, speaking to witnesses, or examining relevant documents.
Following a fair disciplinary process: step-by-step
Under the ACAS Code of Practice, employers must follow a reasonable and fair process when managing disciplinary issues. This generally includes five key stages. First up is the investigation, which involves establishing what happened – this is a fact-finding stage and not disciplinary in itself. Second, if the investigation suggests that formal action is needed, you should invite the employee to a disciplinary hearing. Provide written notice of the meeting, details of the concerns, and any supporting evidence ahead of time.
Third, conduct the disciplinary hearing. This is where the employee is given the chance to respond to the allegations, and they have the right to be accompanied by either a colleague or trade union representative. Fourth is the decision and outcome. After the hearing, determine the appropriate outcome based on the evidence presented. Possible actions include a verbal or written warning, a final warning, or dismissal in cases of gross misconduct. You should also confirm this decision in writing.
Finally, employees must be given the right to appeal the decision. Wherever possible, the appeal should be handled by someone who was not involved in the original disciplinary process.
“Skipping key steps, such as going straight to dismissal, can result in claims of unfair dismissal.”
There are several pitfalls that landscape employers should take care to avoid. Skipping key steps, such as failing to investigate or going straight to dismissal, can result in claims of unfair dismissal. Inconsistency is another risk; treating employees differently in similar situations can undermine the fairness of your process and lead to disputes. Additionally, poor record-keeping is a common issue. Without clear documentation of meetings, warnings, or investigations, it can be difficult to defend your actions if they are later challenged.
In the landscaping industry, employees often work on client sites or public areas. Misconduct in these settings – such as a poor customer interaction or not following PPE requirements – should still be addressed promptly and in line with your internal procedures.
Clear site rules, regular toolbox talks, and a well-communicated code of conduct can help avoid problems before they arise.
Can probationary staff be disciplined?
Yes – but even during probation, employees are entitled to fair treatment. While the process may be slightly simplified, you should still investigate, give the employee a chance to respond, and confirm any outcomes in writing. If performance concerns arise during their probation, consider setting clear improvement targets before deciding on termination.
Need help navigating a disciplinary issue?
Managing disciplinary issues can feel daunting, but you’re not alone. As a BALI member, you get unlimited access to our HR, Health & Safety, Legal, and Tax & VAT Advice Lines on 0116 243 7881. We also provide a comprehensive library of over 700 documents, including disciplinary templates and guidance notes.
To gain a full understanding of your business’ current compliance position, why not book a free, no-obligation One2One Business Review with one of our specialist advisors? Call 01455 852 028 to arrange your personalised consultation today.
An oft-overlooked talent pool, exforces members can bring a wealth of transferrable skills to landscaping businesses, writes Cheryl Ranner, Skills and Careers Officer at BALI.
The UK’s horticultural and landscaping industry is constantly evolving, with an increasing emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and integrating skilled professionals from various backgrounds.
Over the past decade, GoLandscape has focused on schools, colleges and careers leads, but recently it has widened its audience as an important way to address industry skills and people shortages.
While our work with His Majesty’s Prison Service, the Department of Work and Pensions, and the Refugee Employment Service is in its preliminary stages, our work with those leaving the armed services has been a mainstay of our activity since the early days.
"Their own lack of recognition of their transferable skills can be a barrier to successfully entering the workforce."
From the battlefield to the garden trenches
Ex-servicemen and women are a valuable, yet often underutilised, talent pool. Those businesses that have engaged with this community know the wealth of transferable skills that ex-service personnel can bring to their workforce. In fact, it’s often the case that ex-service people are unaware of the wealth of talent that they can bring to the civilian workplace. If you are thinking of diving into this talent pool, then it is certainly
worth considering what transferrable skills would help your business rather than focusing solely on horticultural or landscaping experience and training.
“This presents BALI members with an opportunity to tap into a pool of highly skilled and motivated individuals.”
For example, military training instils discipline, resilience, teamwork, and a strong work ethic - qualities that will no doubt be of benefit to landscaping businesses. Moreover, veterans tend to have practical skills in areas such as project management, logistics, and technical operations, which are directly applicable to landscaping projects.
While this sounds like a win-win for veterans and landscaping employers, ex-service people sometimes face a challenge in translating their military experience into civilian job opportunities. Their own lack of recognition of their transferable skills and how they could be applied to a range of civilian job opportunities can be a barrier to successfully entering the workforce.
We believe that ex-military personnel bring skills that are well-suited to work in the land-based sector and we’re not alone in this thinking. Throughout GoLandscape’s attempts to reach out to the veteran community we have worked with pioneering charity Highground. Founded by Anna Baker-Cresswell, Highground specialises in helping veterans to navigate the transition from military to civilian employment, ensuring that they’re well-prepared for the land-based jobs market.
The charity does this in several ways. It provides careers advice and guidance. We know from our work with other sectors that the lack of good careers advice about the landscaping industry is a significant barrier to recruitment. We partner with Highground and support their activities by speaking at
their regular Virtual Careers Weeks. These events allow groups of veterans to hear from those in the industry about their work and why they find the land-based industries so rewarding. These are a crucial step in providing information about the sector and how veterans’ skills can be applied.
HighGround also offers training programmes that equip veterans with the necessary qualifications and certifications needed in various industries, including landscaping.
This presents BALI members with an opportunity to tap into a pool of highly skilled and motivated individuals. Businesses which have engaged with the veterans’ community report that employing exservice people has helped to improve team dynamics, broaden and diversify perspectives, and brought an improved dedication and commitment to service.
Another part of our work with Highground has been attending events held by the British Forces Resettlement Services (BFRS). Individuals leaving the service are generally given two years’ notice and the BFRS is a social enterprise dedicated to
helping service leavers, veterans, reservists, and military families transition into civilian employment.
The BFRS hold events throughout the year across the country which allow businesses to access a unique talent pool and for jobseeking ex-military personnel to engage with employers. These job and recruitment fairs can give BALI members an opportunity to meet, interview, and engage with potential employees in person.
It also has a dedicated job board that is specifically designed for the armed forces community. Posting your landscaping job opportunities here allows you to advertise vacancies directly to service people transitioning from military life. These listings are updated daily and reach thousands of active and passive job seekers.
By partnering with Highground and BFRS, we’re sending a message that our industry, and the businesses we support, are “Forces Friendly Employers” committed to supporting veterans.
www.highground-uk.org
www.bfrss.org.uk
This issue we look at how we inspired the next generation of potential landscape professionals at the Big Bang Fair 2025.
This June, GoLandscape took part in the Big Bang Fair, the UK’s largest celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) for young people. Held at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the event is welcomed over 22,000 students and educators across three days. It gave BALI and GoLandscape an exciting opportunity to introduce the next generation to the creative, innovative world of landscaping and horticulture.
“GoLandscape’s mission is to challenge the outdated perceptions of landscaping and inspire young people.”
With a sector that continues to evolve through sustainability, technology, and design, GoLandscape’s mission is to challenge the outdated perceptions of landscaping and inspire young people to consider a future in an industry full of possibility.
Our stand at the event was a hands-on, interactive experience that was carefully designed to showcase the wide range of careers available across the landscaping profession. Visitors were able to engage with activities that highlighted everything from planting and paving to design and digital modelling.
“These interactive elements aren’t just fun – they’re essential for changing the narrative around landscaping,” explains Jonathan Pettit, Head of Skills, Careers and Certification at BALI. “We want young people to understand that landscaping is about design, construction, problemsolving, sustainability, and innovation. Whether you’re creative, practical, or techsavvy, there’s a place for you in this industry.”
Supporting the GoLandscape team on the stand were BALI members Vectorworks, a global leader in design and Building Information Modelling (BIM) software. Their technology is widely used in the landscape, architecture, and entertainment sectors, offering advanced tools for site planning, planting design, 3D modelling, and Geographic Information System (GIS) integration.
At the Big Bang Fair, Vectorworks demonstrated how software is transforming the landscape design process – from concept to completion. Their involvement highlighted the important role digital tools
and innovation now play in shaping green spaces and sustainable developments.
BALI Board Director and Director of BALI accredited contractors The Landscaping Consultants, Jake Catling, also joined the GoLandscape effort, sharing a video presentation which focused on real-world problem-solving with paving slabs – a common but complex aspect of landscape construction. Children visiting the stand even had the chance to try their hand at paving, experiencing first-hand the technical skills and precision required in landscape build.
With the landscaping sector continuing to face skills shortages, inspiring new talent has never been more urgent. The Big Bang Fair offered a unique chance to engage directly with young people at a formative stage in their career thinking – sparking interest in an industry that combines the natural environment with design, science, and engineering.
GoLandscape’s presence at the Fair supported its wider mission: to promote landscape and horticulture careers to schools, colleges, and career advisers across the UK, ensuring the industry is recognised as a forward-looking and fulfilling career choice.
www.golandscape.co.uk
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• Stormwater attenuation for podiums and extensive roofs
• Time delayed release to project requirements
• Innovative flow control device
• Project specific stormwater attenuation calculations provided