The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) and the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) have written a joint letter to Emma Hardy MP, the Flooding and Water Minister, calling on the government to improve the way water restrictions are implemented and communicated.

They warn that the current approach is harming businesses responsible for delivering and maintaining the UK’s green infrastructure, which is needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

The letter followed South East Water’s introduction of a Temporary Use Ban after the recent spell of exceptionally hot weather.

HTA and BALI are calling for a long-term water strategy developed in partnership with industry, alongside changes to the Drought Code of Practice to better reflect their members’ needs.

Fran Barnes, chief executive of the Horticultural Trades Association, said:

“As this summer’s extreme temperatures have shown, we need more trees, gardens and green spaces to help cool urban areas, reduce flood risk and improve people’s health and wellbeing. But creating and maintaining that green infrastructure depends on sensible, proportionate access to water.

“Our sector uses just 0.15% of the UK’s total water supply, yet delivers enormous environmental, economic and social value. We fully support the need to conserve water during periods of shortage, but the language used results in a disproportionate impact on our industry, and current arrangements are creating unnecessary uncertainty for businesses and risk undermining the delivery of the very green infrastructure that Government wants to see.

“For two years running, the country has seen flooding in January followed by water restrictions just six months later. It is now imperative that the government develop a long-term water resilience strategy that focuses on storing and protecting water, while recognising the essential role environmental horticulture plays in building climate resilience. That includes ensuring Temporary Use Bans are communicated clearly and that the exemptions better reflect how plants are grown, sold and established.”

Wayne Grills, chief executive of the British Association of Landscape Industries, said:

“While we fully support responsible water conservation, the current approach to Temporary Use Bans creates uncertainty and can prevent essential planting and establishment work from taking place, which supports long-term water management and climate adaptation.
“We need a more strategic, proportionate approach to water management with clear, consistent guidance that recognises the environmental, social, and economic value of professionally installed landscapes and provides practical exemptions that allow businesses to continue operating responsibly and with confidence.
“By working with Government and the water industry, we can protect water resources while continuing to create greener, healthier and more climate-resilient places for future generations.”