News
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£16m funding for peatland restoration
Thousands of hectares of peatland in the UK are set to be restored to help tackle climate change and recover biodiversity. Over £16m of government funding has been submitted to 12 restoration projects, from the Great North Bog to the Norfolk Broads, including projects from Somerset to County Durham. The government is investing more than £50m to peat restoration as part of its commitment to restore approximately 35,000ha of peatland in England by the end of this parliament. “Our peatlands hold over half of our terrestrial store of carbon,” says environment minister Rebecca Pow. “With just 1% in a near…
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Origin Enterprises acquires UK-based landscape supplier
Origin Enterprises plc has acquired landscape supplier Suregreen, which went into administration this month. Suregreens’ portfolio will complement Origin’s subsidiary companies Green-tech, and its two more recent acquisitions, British Hardwood trees, and Agrigem. The acquisition will strengthen the Group’s amenity, environmental and ecological portfolio. “Landscaping, urban greening and habitat creation will continue to play an important role in sustainable land use to help tackle climate change and restore biodiversity,” says Origin. Suregreen’s administrators Messrs. De’ath, Gardiner and Provan of Begbies Traynor were appointed on 24 August.
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HTA Design to lead Canterbury heritage regeneration project
HTA Design will lead several heritage regeneration projects across Canterbury after winning the council’s Levelling Up Fund Competition in May. The project includes the development of Story Gardens at Dane John and St May de Castro Gardens; Greyfriars Gardens and the Castle Grounds. The regenerative plans will deliver restorative landscapes across the sites to address the biodiversity emergency, says James Lord, partner for landscape at HTA Design. “We are looking forward to working with Canterbury City Council and our skilled team to deliver a restorative landscape that addresses the biodiversity emergency and preserves heritage for future generations, whilst celebrating Canterbury’s…
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Higgins Partnerships awarded £176m Peckham estate project
Higgins Partnerships has been selected by Southwark Council to collaborate on two phases of the Ledbury Estate in Peckham, regeneration project. Four existing blocks with identified ‘structural and fire safety issues’ will be demolished and replaced with six blocks ranging from five to 22 storeys and 340 mixed tenure homes. A new multi-purpose garden courtyard is set for development, with space for community growing and play areas, with several tree-lined paths that extend to create a new pedestrian walkway connecting local streets. At least 25% of labour forces will originate from the Southwark area, says Declain Higgins, CEO for Higgins…
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Yorkshire School of Garden Design celebrates first anniversary
The Yorkshire School of Garden Design celebrated its first anniversary with an exhibition of works from its inaugural graduates. The event, which was held at the school’s 100-acre Grade I listed Harewood House residence, was attended by landscape designer, Alistair Baldwin, who founded the school in August of last year. The school’s ‘flagship’ Diploma in Garden Design is a one-year part-time course, structured to prepare students for the challenges in professional practice, with industry professionals at the helm. “I can’t believe it has been a year”, says Baldwin. “This generation of landscape designers are truly something to behold.” Students’ portfolios…
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New border trade plans inadequate for addressing horticulture needs, says the HTA
The Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) says more progress is needed following the publication of the government’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM). New controls were set out today that the government says will ensure more efficient trading and better protection against biosecurity threats, all of which will help to create a “world-class border system”. Lord Benyon, Defra’s Minister for Biosecurity, says the new model “sets out our innovative system of border controls, which will continue to uphold UK biosecurity and support trade with other countries.” But Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA, says that whilst she acknowledges the positive strides…
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Nutrient neutrality law changes spell “good news” for housebuilders
Over 100,000 new builds originally delayed due to defective EU laws will be given the green light between now and 2030. Originally blocked by legacy EU laws on nutrient neutrality, including cases where planning permission had already been granted, the construction of all new builds in certain areas was ceased. The EU laws on nutrient neutrality refer to nutrients entering rivers, but research has shown that the contribution made by new homes is very small, says the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. An amendment to the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will see construction of “desperately needed” homes,…
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It’s time for “The Green Italy”
Horticulture, forestation and urban space represent a triptych of thriving sectors for Italy. According to ISTAT (the Italian National Institute of Statistics), the country boasted a relevant added value of 38.4 billion euros in 2022 (ranking second in the EU-27, after France) and the third highest value of agricultural production in the EU-27 (72.4 billion euros, +18.2% vs 2021). The next steps to take are closely related to structural and long-term governmental measures, aimed to improve the energy transition strategies. Those hot topics will be on stage at Flormart – The Green Italy, the international exhibition of horticulture, green space…
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Trades people set to be “worst hit” by ULEZ expansion
The expansion of the ULEZ is causing concern across London’s trade sector, and for good reason. The added charge inflicts unsustainable financial pressure on a number of trade businesses. As of today, drivers of non-compliant vehicles will have to pay £12.50 a day to travel in the now affected areas, which cover a majority of Greater London. The charge, which is equivalent to more than £3k a year, is already incurring multi-level knock-on effects as tradespeople increase their prices to compensate. According to Fix Radio, 25% of construction workers say they have lost work as a direct result of the…
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Hasty peat ban could lead to “detrimental” outcomes, warns the HTA
The HTA warns of the “significant environmental and economic impacts” across multiple industries, from bringing the peat ban forward by four years. New data from independent economists at Oxford Economics, commissioned and released by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) shows that the fast-tracked peat ban could lead to a loss of over £500m in Gross Value Added (GVA) and over £100m in decline tax revenues. More than half (68%) of garden centres are expected to cut staff in 2027 as a result of the expected 100 million plant and tree shortage immediately after the ban takes effect as the accelerated…
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Volunteers needed to rebuild show garden
An award-winning show garden from this year’s RHS Flower Show Tatton Park needs volunteers to help rebuild it at Clatterbridge Hospital in Liverpool, where it is being donated. The Constructing Minds garden designed by Carolyn Harden and Jon Jarvis won Silver Gilt and Best Show Garden at Tatton, where it raised awareness for suicide rates in the construction industry. Inspired by the Japanese practise of shinrin-yoku (‘forest bathing’), the belief that immersing in nature can have revitalising benefits, the garden is now being relocated to the hospital to afford patients and staff a space for “sanctuary” and “rejuvenation.” Harden and…
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Voting opens for Pro Landscaper’s Unsung Heroes, in association with Landscapeplus
Fifteen finalists have been announced for Pro Landscaper’s Unsung Heroes, in association with Landscapeplus The awards were launched earlier this year to recognise the individuals who, under the radar, keep companies and the industry going. A myriad of people were nominated by readers of Pro Landscaper, from office administrators to operatives on the ground to small business owners. Readers are now able to vote for which person, of the final 15, they think should win the title of Pro Landscaper’s Unsung Hero 2023. The winner will be announced at an awards ceremony on Wednesday 22 November at the ExCeL in…
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Could the greenbelt solve the housing crisis?
England’s greenbelt has been called into question, and that question is, can it help the government solve the current housing crisis? In research conducted by independent architecture and surveying consultant, Woods Hardwick, England’s green belt is estimated to cover almost 13% (1.637m ha) of England’s total land area. Less than 10% (8.7) of England’s land area is of developed use, with 10.5% defined as ‘built-up’. Woods Hardwick’s research shows that the green belt could facilitate the construction of almost 80 million new homes, with the average new-build plot required to be 222sqm. Less than 2% of the green belt would…
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Asian hornets found in London amid UK spike
Asian hornets have been identified in London for the first time, following a “sudden increase” in recorded UK sightings. The hornet was discovered in a garden in Thamesmead last Saturday by an amateur beekeeper, specialists later located the nest nearby. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have confirmed the nest is to be destroyed this week. Confirmed sightings of the invasive species have doubled this year alone, with over 20 reported, including 16 this month, with almost 30 nests destroyed in the UK so far. Asian hornets, also known as Vespa velutina are known to be “highly…
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RHS launches new indoor flower show for “urban dwellers”
The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has announced its new Urban Show, it’s ‘first large-scale” indoor flower show which will be held in central Manchester next year. “With over 80% of the UK population living in towns and cities, the new show will enable more urban dwellers to garden, especially where access to green spaces can be limited,” says Helena Pettit, director of gardens & shows at the RHS. The new Urban Show, which is reminiscent of the original RHS Summer Urban Garden Show that used to be held in London, will feature design inspiration for vertical gardening and urban farming,…
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TORO to exhibit new battery power range at Saltex 2023
Toro UK Limited, the manufacturer of the Hayter® and Toro® lawnmowers and turf equipment will be showcasing the full range of its recently launched Revolution battery powered equipment at Saltex this year. Not only will the stand-on GrandStand Revolution mower be exhibited but also the Revolution Z Master®, along with the commercial-grade equipment design, the HyperCell™ battery system, which has an all-day runtime to drive maximum efficiency. The battery-powered products increase productivity and efficiency and are ideal for areas where noise is restricted. All products are built on the same proven chassis and TURBO FORCE decks as their petrol counterparts,…
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£6m in rewilding fund to help threatened UK species
The Wildlife Trusts’ rewilding programme has received £6m worth. The scheme, called Transforming Nature’s Recovery, is designed to help the UK fulfil its commitment to protecting 30% of land for nature by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The Ecological Restoration Fund, which supports organisations worldwide to protect biodiverse areas and support the recovery of nature, has contributed £6m to help it achieve its goals. The latest State of Nature report shows 15% of UK species are threatened with extinction and more than 40% are in decline, creating a knock-on effect for the wider ecosystem. The Wildlife Trusts plans…
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ANS Global to open new nursery in Yorkshire
Green infrastructure provider, ANS Global has acquired a new plant nursery in East Yorkshire, to support the “significant increase” in market demand. The 10-acre site will include a climate-controlled glasshouse and an automated irrigation system to support living wall and green roof growth externally and internally all year round. ANS Global aims to grow in excess of 20k m2 of living walls annually, the company has already integrated over 35m plants across its almost 6k projects. Richard Silcock, managing director of ANS Global says: “This is a major investment for our company, and it will allow us to meet the…
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30 Under 30: A catch-up with Arron Grange
Over the last year, Arron Grange has been playing a significant role in establishing and managing Green-tech’s new warehouse in Ireland. The key account manager, who became became one of Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation last year at just 27 years’ old, was originally employed as a sales advisor in 2016 and has since risen through the ranks and is now helping Green-tech to expand its reach. The warehouse in Ireland opened earlier this year following investment from Green-tech’s parent company, Origin Enterprises, which acquired the business in 2021. At Green-tech, we’re heavily involved in Ireland and…
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Over 300 jobs to be created in Midlands home development project
Planning permission for a 650-home development in Mastin Moor, Derbyshire has been approved, with preparatory works already underway. The plans include 650 homes, including affordable and accessible properties, a local centre and elderly accommodation, encompassed by green space. The Devonshire Group, which owns the 46ha site, has begun preparation works, scheduled for completion in spring 2024. The project is expected to take 10 years to complete, creating 150 direct construction jobs and 250 roles in the supply chain and related fields. Phase one, which includes the development of 143 of the planned units is scheduled to begin over summer 2024…
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‘Sudden larch death’ discovered in Welsh forest
A tree felling operation will be taking place after larch disease was identified in the Gwydir Forest, Penmachno in North Wales. A Statutory Plant Health Notice, beginning 29 August, means Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is scheduled to fell around 3.5ha from an area around Penmachno, within Gwydir Forest Park to limit the larch disease – or Phytophthora ramorum – from spreading further. Kath McNulty, NRW’s team leader for forest operations in North West Wales, says: “To comply with the notice, the trees will need to be removed to stop any further spread of the larch disease. “Haulage and felling restrictions…
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Trees for Streets expands into Leeds
Leeds City Council has partnered with Trees for Streets, a national sponsorship scheme, to make it easier for residents and organisations to sponsor new tree plantings on local streets. Residents and businesses are now able to sponsor a street tree on a grass verge outside their residence, or organise a crowdfund campaign to plant several. The charity engages with the local community, whilst the council manages the planting of the sponsored trees, residents are then responsible for watering their sponsored trees during the summer months. Councillor Mohammed Rafique, executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, says: “Nobody knows…
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Khan accused of trying to “silence” contradictory ULEZ study
Sadiq Khan’s office has been accused of trying to “silence” a scientific report that questions how beneficial the controversial ULEZ charge is for the environment. It is reported that more than £800k has been paid to the Imperial College’s Environmental Research Group since 2021, with director of the group, professor Frank Kelly, subsequently agreeing to issue a statement stating the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) has helped to “dramatically reduce air pollution.” However, a study from the Imperial College’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, published in 2021 found that the original ULEZ established in 2019 had only cut nitrogen…
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Marshalls axes 250 jobs amidst “challenging” conditions
Marshalls has revealed it has let go of around 250 staff due to “challenging” market conditions in the housebuilding sector. In its half-year report, the building products supplier said a reduction in material demand across the new housebuilding and private housing RMI had led to a decline in the group’s profitability. Its statutory profit before tax has dropped by over a quarter (30%), falling from £23.9m in the same period for 2022 to £16.7m. Despite a reduction in roles across the group, chief executive Martyn Coffey says Marshalls has ensured that it still has capacity to meet demand should there…
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61-acre nature reserve to be “de-wilded”
London’s “largest breeding ground for endangered species and fauna” is set to be “de-wilded” following development plans. Ealing Council has announced plans to convert Warren Farm Nature Reserve back into eight football pitches and renovate derelict, asbestos-filled facility buildings. More than 22,000 campaigners have spoken out against the development, by signing a petition, though, fearing it would “destroy” the nature and wildlife. A petition has been set up, calling for the site to receive Local Nature Reserve status. The 61-acre grounds, originally a sporting facility, underwent a rewilding project and is now home to several endangered species, including the skylark,…
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