From water scarcity to the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the Placemaking Theatre at this year’s FutureScape will be focusing on the future of our green spaces. The theatre, in association with Lantra, explores some of the vital topics impacting stakeholders involved in creating commercial landscapes and public spaces, from landscape architects through to contractors and maintenance professionals. 

A panel hosted by Pro Landscaper’s own Rachael Forsyth will be considering the future of grounds maintenance contracts and the changes that are impacting these, from biodiversity net gain to sustainability goals. Murray Landscapes’ Marc Murray, IPM Facilities’ Dave Taylor, Ego’s Joerg Bauerle and Wildflower Co’s Charlie Davison will be discussing the opportunities for grounds maintenance companies and how to make the most of the changing nature of the industry. 

In Every Drop Counts, Watermatic’s Zac Ribak, Cquester’s Chris Churchman, and the British Association of Landscape Industries’ head of policy and public affairs will tackle the challenge of water scarcity. They will discuss how the industry can reduce water use through thoughtful design, efficient irrigation, SuDS and rainwater harvesting, offering a strategic approach to water management. 

Shining a spotlight on the Cotswolds Distillery Wetland Ecological Treatment Project and The Quarry scheme, Frognal Garden’s Noel Brock will guide Wyevale Nurseries’ Kersten Catella, Gloucestershire County Council’s Sara Noons and Rachael White Design’s founder Rachael White through a discussion on how commercial landscaping and design can actively restore scarred and over-used landscapes. They will examine how examine how native planting, bold design and true industry collaboration can transform degraded sites into biodiverse, resilient landscapes that outperform their past. 

Mott MacDonald’s Jonathan Ramsay will close the first day by reflecting on the lessons learned from working on the Thames Tideway Tunnel East project, focusing on a case study with a Deptford primary school to show how major infrastructure projects can create lasting value for host communities when they help to shape them. 

On the second day of FutureScape, panellists including renowned soil scientist Tim O’Hare, Bury Hill Landscape Supplies’ John Coles and Apex Soil Solutions’ Martin Saxon will be discussing how success starts with the soil. They will touch on challenges such as compaction and opportunities such as reusing excavated materials, exploring how the industry can take a more sustainable and resilient approach to soil. 

Panellists such as the Landscape Institute’s Ian Phillips will then delve into the revised NPPF, considering whether it goes far enough to put nature and green infrastructure higher on the planning agenda and what the changes mean for the landscaping sector. 

In the final session in the Placemaking Theatre, Blakedown Landscapes’ Chris Wellbelove, Frosts Landscape Construction’s Alistair Bayford, and Groundwork London’s Nicola Keen will explore what the commercial landscaping sector looks like and how, with towns and cities becoming greener presents, there are opportunities as well as barriers to overcome. The panel will explore how the industry can help turn ambitious visions into reality. 

View the full seminar programme. 

In its fifteenth year, FutureScape will be taking place at a new venue, Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, on 13-14 October 2026. Register for your free ticket now.