TECHNICAL U P D AT E
Amenity Forum chair John Moverley announced to conference delegates the development of an all-embracing assurance scheme for the sector
MAKING A CHANGE
Change, Challenge and Opportunity was the title of this year’s Amenity Forum conference, where a record number of attendees representing the diverse amenity sector recognised the progress made in improving practice across the board
I By John Moverley Chair, Amenity Forum
n my introduction, speaking at the ‘Change, Challenge and Opportunity’ Amenity Forum, I pointed out: “While we are certainly in the midst of changing and challenging times, this is, in many ways, nothing new for our sector. I am confident that, as so many times before, we will grasp the opportunity to undertake our vital work – effective management of amenity and sports spaces affects every UK citizen, every day, as we create safe, healthy and fit-for-purpose amenity spaces.’’
POLICY CHANGES
The conference programme began with three presentations focusing on policy change. Grant Stark, from the Chemicals Regulation Division of HSE, reported on the achievements in the UK implementation of the Sustainable Use Directive. It was confirmed that much progress had been made by the sector in all areas. Grant then described recent policy changes as well as the important current review of the UK National Action Plan, directly related to
“Effective management of amenity spaces affects every UK citizen, every day, as we create safe, healthy and fitfor-purpose spaces”
weed, pest and disease management. He emphasised an integrated management approach and a need for greater emphasis on continuous professional development going forward. Nick Cartwright from the Environment Agency focused on water, with quality issues being key to his presentation. Nick also referred to the publication of an over-arching chemicals strategy and identified some current concerns, reiterating how the amenity sector could help the country meet current water quality targets. Richard Davis then provided an excellent account of pesticide regulation and the work of the Expert Committee on Pesticides, of which he is a member. His presentation also gave some of his thoughts on the challenges and opportunities of future UK regulatory changes post-Brexit. During breaks in the conference, delegates visited the exhibition area where almost 20 amenity-related organisations had stands – and there was a great opportunity to network.
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
The second element of the conference comprised speakers from various sub sectors of amenity describing the challenges in their areas and, of course, the opportunities. Speakers included Neil Strong from Network Rail, who spoke of the responsibility for 52,000 hectares of trackside. This was certainly not the www.iog.org THE GROUNDSMAN 33