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Victoria North: Planning application for new sustainable neighbourhood

This initial phase of works has been made possible through a £51.6m funding award from the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), which will address a series of infrastructure constraints and allow the delivery of new homes and green spaces, including the first phase of a new City River Park within the Red Bank neighbourhood – part of the wider Victoria North programme of development. The planning application seeks approval for enabling works including invasive tree and vegetation removal, creation of a temporary haul road and demolition of the Creamline Dairies buildings, in association with the future delivery of the new Red Bank neighbourhood. The application includes a commitment to increase biodiversity by at least 10% as a result of the overall development. Red…

Tivoli pledges support to Aird na Cille re-wilding project

Tivoli Group Ltd has announced it has pledged to support a unique nature conservation initiative to re-wild land on the Aird na Cille Peninsula in the Western Isles. The re-wilding project, which commenced in 2012, aims to breathe new life into a virtually tree-free landscape, encourage biodiversity by responsible hands-on custodianship, re-establish a part of the island’s ancient natural heritage, and create a long-term legacy for future generations to enjoy. Aird na Cille point is a 25-acre peninsula of glacial-carved rock on the southern coast of the Isle of Scalpay off Harris in the Western Isles. The land consists of…

Average UK house prices hits record high

The latest house price data, published by HM Land Registry for September 2021, shows that average house prices in the UK increased by 11.8% in the year to September 2021, up from 10.2% in the year to August 2021. Because of the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on both the number and supply of housing transactions, we might see larger revisions to the published House Price Index (HPI) estimates than usual. It is worth noting that the monthly property transactions statistics published by HM Revenue and Customs show that the number of transactions in September 2021 were higher than average. As…

Forestry Commission acts on new tree disease in Cumbria

Woodland managers, landowners, the forest industry and tree nurseries are being urged to remain vigilant after the Forestry Commission (FC) and Forest Research (FR) identified the tree pathogen Phytophthora pluvialis in woodlands in Cumbria. The UK Chief Plant Health Officer has confirmed the findings, following routine Forestry Commission plant health surveillance activities. Phytophthora pluvialis is a fungus-like pathogen known to affect a variety of tree species, including western hemlock, Douglas fir, tanoak and several pine species (in particular radiata pine). It is reported to cause needle cast (where needles turn brown and fall off), shoot dieback, and lesions on the…

Pip Probert encourages designers to apply to exhibit at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park 2022

This year, RHS Flower Show Tatton Park is putting a greater emphasis on sustainability and is introducing ‘Greener Front Gardens,’ a new garden category focused on utilising front gardens for environmentally friendly gardening. As the show creeps closer, the RHS is looking for designers to take up the challenge of incorporating more green gardening practices into their show gardens. Pip Probert started designing show gardens at RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2005 and has exhibited at the show ever since. She now has 37 show gardens to her name and medals to match, giving her a wealth of experience…

Edinburgh awarded highest global rating for climate action

Edinburgh is one of just 95 cities world-wide to be placed on the 2021 A List by CDP – an international charity which runs the world’s largest environmental disclosure system for companies and cities. The coveted A-List position recognises that Edinburgh has: Publicly disclosed a city-wide emissions inventory Set an emissions reduction target – for Edinburgh, this is a target of net zero emissions by 2030 Published a climate action plan, Edinburgh’s 2030 Climate Strategy, which sets the strategic direction for reducing the city’s emissions and becoming resilient to future climate change Completed, and is in the process of updating…

Nurture Landscapes breaks new ground with latest acquisition, Rokill Pest Control Services

Completed in November, the Nurture Group acquired Rokill Pest Control Services, which will see Nurture Landscapes enter a new market to support the continuation of the company’s growth post COVID-19. Founded 41 years ago by chairman Alec McQuin, Rokill Pest Control Services is one of the largest independently owned pest control companies in the UK. Working across the Midlands and the South of England, Rokill provide commercial and domestic pest and bird control services. Respected throughout the industry for providing a quality service to the highest standards, Rokill have been holders of the Royal Warrant for the provision of Pest…

Hillier Nurseries welcomes new sales manager to Amenity team

Hillier Nurseries has announced the expansion of its Amenity team, following two record-breaking years of sales, with the appointment of new sales manager, Gareth Ashenhurst. Gareth, who joins Hillier from James Coles and Sons where he held the position of sales manager, will be bringing his expertise to a similar role at Hillier Nurseries. The former Leicester Tigers rugby player started working in the James Coles sales team in 2008. Initially he joined the company’s tree production division where he led on the development of Coles’ pot-in-pot container tree unit. Following this, he moved into the sales team, and later…

Cultura Group welcomes Pete Jones as head of its private garden construction division

Cultura Group has welcomed Pete Jones to the business to lead its Private Garden Construction Division. Holding a key position, Pete will strengthen Cultura’s capabilities in delivering large, high quality garden construction projects. He will also be responsible for creating and managing strategic partnerships with prestigious garden design practices, garden designers and landscape architects. Pete has 25 years of experience in the private and commercial landscape construction industry; for the last 16 years at Land Design Partnership, the last three years as managing director, based in Kent. His extensive background in the private garden sector means that Pete understands the…

RHS partners up with Inspiring the Future

The RHS has joined forces with Inspiring the Future to help encourage children in schools and colleges to pursue a carer in horticulture. Inspiring the Future enables schools to connect with inspirational volunteers from the world of work quickly and easily, in school or virtually, revolutionising the way in which young people get insights into exciting and unique careers, and inspiring them to be ambitious. Chris Moncrieff, head of horticultural relations at the RHS, said: “The idea of this partnership was born out of a Desert Island Discs episode. Sue Biggs was on the show about a year ago, and…

Swanscombe Peninsula confirmed as Site of Special Scientific Interest

Natural England has confirmed Swanscombe Peninsula as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of its national importance for plants, geology, birds and invertebrates – including one of the rarest spiders in the country. The decision was taken by Natural England’s board at a public meeting and marks the last step in the designation process after the site was notified as a SSSI in March. A valuable green space abundant in wildlife lying close to major urban areas, the 260 hectare site alongside the Thames Estuary forms a corridor of habitats connecting Ebbsfleet Valley with the southern shore…

Search is on for a head gardener at Wales’ Bodnant Garden