Landscape & A m en it y www.landscapeandamenity.com
July 2026 Special Feature Professional Groundscare
Figures show 97% of HSE pesticide enforcement visits required action The Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings which showed that action was required following 97% of official control visits carried out during 2025.
robust management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements. Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said: “The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues
identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures. “Good practice is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it is about protecting people, protecting the
environment and maintaining public confidence in the work our sector undertakes every day. “Every organisation should take the opportunity to review its arrangements, strengthen professional standards and ensure compliance remains a priority.”
importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of industry best practice. By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.
The Forum believes these findings reinforce the
Amenity Forum Enquiry 1
At the Forum’s Updating Event in May, delegates were presented with an overview of official control activity undertaken across England, Wales and Scotland.
Weed & Pest Control Tackling the main problems with success Page 12
The Amenity Forum is encouraging organisations to take the following five actions: • Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable. • Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products. • Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection. • Verify that pedestrianoperated spraying equipment has been inspected where required. • Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.
The findings highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry. The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrianoperated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations. The findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain
Top Dressers & Spreaders A spotlight on the latest models Page 21
Local cricket facilities boosted More cricket fans old and new will soon be able to play the sport throughout the year, as the Government has marked the start of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by unveiling five new locations for state-of-the-art allweather domes. Cricket fever is set to sweep the nation this summer, with England hosting a major global tournament for the first time since the men’s side famously won the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2019. And with the event aiming to inspire event more women
and girls into the game, the Government has today announced a further £3m injection to open up access to year-round cricket in even more communities. Five more state-of-the-art domes will now be built in areas currently lacking high-class allweather facilities: Bolton, Derby, Newcastle and Nottingham, as well as Birmingham, where England meet Sri Lanka in Friday night’s tournament opener. All five domes will place an emphasis on continuing the surge in female participation that has seen more than 2,000 new women’s
and girls’ teams launch across the country since the start of 2024. The announcement follows the opening last week of the country’s third ECB-funded dome. The latest opened in Willenhall, West Midlands, with two others already open in Bradford and in Darwen, Lancashire.
Machinery, Plant & Vehicles
ECB Chair Richard Thompson said: “We’ve seen from the three all-weather cricket domes which are already open how they can be a gamer-changer as we strive to make cricket the most inclusive team sport.” ECB
The new launches and case studies Page 22
Enquiry 2
PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE
ZERO COMPROMISE
100% BATTERY
The world’s most advanced battery powered professional zero turn range The OptimusZ range delivers up to 8 hours runtime
OptimusZ can easily work on slopes up to 20º
Unmatched power with dual in-wheel hub motors
Mower decks range from 122 cm to 182 cm
READER ENQUIRY 3
Initial investment quickly pays off through fuel savings, reduced maintenance, and longer life
Request a demonstration, visit WWW.CRAMERTOOLS.COM