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Majestic Trees becomes an EOT
Majestic Trees has become an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), ‘ensuring’ the company ethos and core values can continue. Managing director Steve McCurdy and his wife Janet, have sold 74% of the nursery to its current management team. Made up of Sarah Shynn, sales manager, fern snowling, planting and logistics manager, Carlos Guinand, nursery manager, Helen Morgan, HR and finance manager, Maria Bengtsson, pruning and stock control manager, and Eliot Barden, after care, apprenticeships, and training manager. Collectively the team has over 80 years of experience at Majestic Trees, and will all continue in their current roles. “The team’s future is…
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Navigating Cash Flow Concerns in the Construction Industry
Cash flow is the lifeblood of any successful business. Cash flow is what allows a company to pay its staff, purchase stock, and ensure contractual overheads are paid on time. Once cash flow becomes squeezed, problems can quickly spiral, taking a once thriving company from a position of solvency to one which is struggling to meet its financial obligations surprisingly quickly. Cash flow challenges can arise for a variety of reasons, and in many instances, they are not caused directly by the actions of the company facing these problems. Late – and even non-payment – of invoices is rife in…
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Defra announces new Biodiversity Net Gain timetable
Defra has today set out a new timetable for the implementation of the upcoming Biodiversity Net Gain legislation, following today’s earlier delay announcement. Under the updated timetable, developers in England will be mandated to deliver 10% “Biodiversity Net Gain” from January 2024 onwards when building new housing, and industrial or commercial developments. Legislation for small sites will be introduced from April 2024, as originally planned, with nationally significant infrastructure projects planned for 2025. “The updated timetable and guidance we are setting out today will help smooth the transition,” says biodiversity minister, Trudy Harrison. The government has committed to publishing all…
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‘Multifunctional’ park approved in Ebbsfleet Garden City development
Bellway London has secured planning permission for a ‘multifunctional’ park on its Harbour Village development in Northfleet, as part of the Ebbsfleet Garden City development. The almost 3 ha park has been named Bevan’s Park, named after Thomas Bevan, one of the founding partners of the site’s original chalk quarry. It will include a heritage park, celebrating the industrial history of the site, a sports pitch and footbridge, connecting Bevan’s to Chimney View, another park in the Harbour Village development. “Bevan’s Park will be one of several open spaces at Harbour Village and will create an important, multi-functional area for…
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The Renaissance of Denmans Garden
An award-winning, Grade II registered garden, Denmans is renowned for its 50+ year-old gravel gardens, horticultural diversity, strong layout and planting design, and peaceful year-round interest. The contemporary country garden, located on the edge of Fontwell, West Sussex, lies sheltered by the South Downs. It features well-drained alkaline soil, good light, and a mild climate, ideal for growing a large range of plants. “The diversity of its plants and its unique planting style have resulted in a garden with year-round interest, structure, and colour,” says owner Gwendolyn van Paasschen. Far from a traditional English garden composed of carefully considered proportions,…
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Government to delay Biodiversity Net Gain policy
The government has delayed plans to introduce its Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation. Under the policy originally set to become mandatory in November, under English planning rules, approved as part of the 2021 Environment Act, developers would be required to deliver a biodiversity gain on or off-site of a 10% minimum. “It’s an important piece of legislation because 50% of the UK economy is linked to nature,” says Simon Richards, managing director of Land Studio. “Unfortunately, the UK is one of the most biodiversity depleted countries in the world, so restoring our natural environments is critical to building our future…
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Nearly 90% of teenage park users are males, finds Make Space for Girls
Make Space for Girls has released the results of its Parkwatch Report September 2023 which looks at the diversity of those using their local parks. The Parkwatch project took place between 27 and 29 May 2023. Participants were asked to fill in an online form asking them to look at the teenage facilities in their local park and count how many teenagers were using them, identifying their genders. Research shows that 88% of the teenagers using these facilities were boys, whilst for multi-use games areas 92% was male and for skate parks or BMX tracks, 84% were male. Only 15%…
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£25m invested in natural flood resilience projects
Around £25m has been committed to projects that use nature to protect communities from flooding. The funding, provided by the government and the environment agency, will support natural flood management schemes across England that use nature led techniques, such as tree planting and the creation of wetlands to slow and store water, reducing the risk of flood. “This approach not only reduces flood risk and helps tackle climate change, it can also benefit water quality, restore habitats and boost biodiversity,” says environment minister, Rebecca Pow. These schemes will also create more green spaces for communities and improve air quality, while…
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Society of Garden Designers announces new chair
The Society of Garden Designers (SGD) has announced its new chair and its continued development of entry level support. Andrew Duff MSGD, managing director of the Inchbald School of Design, has been named the SGD’s new chair, a continuation of the role he held in partnership with Lynne Marcus MSGD since September 2022. After a three-year tenure, Marcus has stepped down from the role of chair, but will continue to support the Society as chair of the SGD Awards. Duff acknowledged his former co-chair’s role in leading the Society’s ‘Say No to Plastic Grass and Plants’ campaign in 2022, and…
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Horticulture can play a ‘crucial role’ in achieving climate change targets, says RHS
The horticulture sector has the potential to play a ‘crucial role’ in helping the UK achieve its ‘ambitious’ climate change targets, says the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society). Last week Rishi Sunak announced the government’s plans to delay the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035, and the phasing out of gas boilers. Sunak backed the decision to push back the UK’s net zero goals by stating he wanted to take a “more pragmatic, proportionate and realistic approach.” Director general of the RHS, Clare Matterson says, “we are painfully aware that we face a climate…
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UK film studio invests £1m in biodiversity
UK film studio, Shepperton Studios, has invested £1m towards the improvement of biodiversity at the River Ash Corridor in Surrey, also known as Studios Walk, in partnership with Spelthorne Borough Council. Ecological enhancements that took place at the site, which borders Shepperton Studios, include the instalment of bird and bat boxes, and wildlife refuge areas, which have restricted access to allow native fauna and wildlife to thrive. A new stepped pedestrian bridge, named Sherwood Bridge, has been installed to create a 1.75km looped walk, with additional benches added throughout the route. “The project has opened up a new walking route…
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Chelsea garden returns to Battersea
An award-winning garden from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show has opened at the Doddington Estate, Battersea, the same estate that inspired its creation. The London Square Community Garden, designed by James Smith, was inspired and built in part by the volunteers at the Doddington and Rollo Community Roof Garden. Key features donated from the gold-medal-winning garden include, an outdoor table inset with chess and draughts, several upcycled chairs, designed by TV personality Jay Blades, and a selection of the garden’s resilient planting. Head of volunteers, Malissa Ritchie, says: “We are beyond excited that our community effort was the catalyst for…
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Government gives £1m to forestry skill training
The government has allocated an additional £1m in funding for forestry and arboriculture training courses, between now and April 2025. The funding aims to increase the sector’s workforce through the creation of more green jobs to meet recent demand growth, following the government’s £675m tree programme. Funding will cover areas of arboriculture and forestry, such as chainsaw operation, planning and planting new woodland, and the marketing and selling of timber, with a primary focus on entry level individuals following a career change, as well as those already working in the sector. “England’s forestry sector plays an essential part in creating…
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Rochdale set to see boost in green infrastructure
Plans have been submitted for a new home garden neighbourhood project set to give Rochdale, Manchester a boost in green infrastructure. The hybrid application, submitted by Redrow, includes a new public park and wildflower meadow, green corridors and over 1,000 new homes. Plans include a 13.4ha park to the south, a wildflower meadow, green corridors and a potential community allotment. The park will feature “footpaths, ecological enhancements and plenty of opportunities for play and recreation,” says Redrow planning director, Robin Buckley, while the corridors will be “suitable for foraging.” “Our aim is to create a thriving new community with high…
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Cement substitute “unlikely” to reduce global emissions
An ingredient used to create ‘greener’ concrete might not be as effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as first hoped. Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) is a by-product of the iron and steel industry and has become an increasingly popular replacement for the carbon intensive Portland cement clinker, which is produced in kilns with other materials when heated up to around 1,480°C. But a report published this week by The Institution of Structural Engineers and others has found that increasing the use of the supplementary cementitious material in place of clinker in any one area is unlikely to have…
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SoilsCon returns in 2024
After a four-year break, SoilsCon returns next year. The one-day conference, organised by soil scientist and landscape consultant Tim O’Hare, will feature developmental insights, debates and discussions from industry experts. The speaker line-up includes, Tim O’Hare, principal consultant at Tim O’Hare Associates, Helen Elks-Smith, principal at Elk-Smith Landscape & Garden Design, and Dr Iain Gould, associate professor in soil science at the University of Lincoln. Subjects will include soil health and functions in landscapes, the challenges of garden construction, and soil requirements for Biodiversity Net Gain typologies. A Soil Surgery will be held during the day’s networking periods, with members of…
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RHS teams up with students to launch new ‘What is a Weed?’ exhibit
The RHS has launched a new ‘What is a Weed?’ exhibit, with support from local students to try and change minds about weeds. The exhibition will feature displays curated by students from two schools in Surrey, showcasing artwork and exhibits that explore the relationship between people and plants, beauty standards, and humanities place within the ecosystem. Students received support from the RHS Community Outreach team and were given access to the RHS Lindley Library collection to draw inspiration from, with particular emphasis on botanical artworks and rare 16th century ‘herbals’. “The project has given everyone involved the chance to discover…
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Former F1 driver ‘racing for biodiversity’ in Suzuka Circuit project
Former F1 driver, Sebastian Vettel has launched his latest biodiversity campaign at Suzuka Circuit, Japan, ahead of this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. The project, named Buzzin’ Corner, is situated inside Turn 2 at Suzuka Circuit. It includes 11 ‘insect hotels’, built with the help of Vettel and a local carpenter. The Turns kerbing has been freshly painted black and yellow, to resemble the archetypal colours of the bee. “It’s the perfect ambassador for us around this project,” says Vettel. “The idea is to highlight the importance of biodiversity because it stands not just for the bee but for all the…
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BALI Chalk Fund sees record number of entries
The BALI (British Association Landscape Industries) Chalk Fund has seen a record number of entries into the categories of the “Landscape” and “Design” Student of the Year awards. Seven students studying a level two or above in both categories have been shortlisted for the award. The winner of each category will be announced as BALI’s Chalk Fund Student of the Year at this year’s National Landscape Awards on 1 December. The shortlist is as follows: Design students Lucy Mitchell, Capel Manor College Catharine Beck, KLC School of Design Craig Atkinson, London College of Garden Design Landscape students Joe Elsden, Active…
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Warnings issued over ‘serious’ rose disease
As autumn approaches, it brings with it more cold, wet weather and the ‘most serious disease of roses’ according to the RHS. Rose black spot, also known as Diplocarpon rosae, is a fungal disease that infects the perennial species’ leaves, causing black or purple spots to appear on the surface and leaves the flower vulnerable to other disease ahead of the winter months. The disease thrives in cold and wet weather, “the rain allows the spores to germinate and the splash spreads the spores, and it can spread quite quickly,” says Guy Barter, chief RHS horticultural advisor. If left untreated…
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The HTA welcomes inquiry into Urban Green Spaces
The House of Common Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) Select Committee has launched an Inquiry into Urban Green Spaces in response to data that shows the number of people living in urban areas in the UK is expected to increase over the next decade. The total provision of green spaces is expected to decline as a result of infrastructure increases to meet demands of the growing population. The Horticultural Trades Association welcomes news of the inquiry after ‘actively engaging with parliamentarians and policy-makers in calling for a greater focus’ on the value of urban green spaces. “Urban green spaces…
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Over 23,000 football fields worth of natural habitat to be secured by biodiversity laws
New biodiversity laws are set to secure over 23,000 football fields worth of natural habitat – equivalent to over 15,000ha in England – each year, says one digital solutions supplier. In research conducted by Joe’s Blooms, the new biodiversity legislation being introduced in November will create an additional 8,500 football pitches worth of natural habitat, and avoid the loss of over 15,000 pitches of biodiversity territory each year. The analysis shows that the south east and east of England are set to gain the highest boosts in biodiversity, with approximately 2,700ha in the south east, and 1,900ha in the east.…
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Project Giving Back extends its RHS Chelsea support to 2026
Project Giving Back (PGB) has extended its support of gardens for good causes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show to 2025 and 2026. Established in 2021, PGB pledged to fund 42 gardens at RHS Chelsea in 2022, 2023 and 2024, with an original investment of around £12m. The charity supported 15 gardens at this year’s event, including several award winners. The success of the scheme is attributed as the reason for extending support for an additional two years. Speaking at the opening of the 2023 Gardens for Good Causes Exhibition, PGB’s CEO Hattie Ghaui, says: “We know from having to…
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Green Tree Badge initiative launched to inspire millions of children
Together The Royal Forestry Society and Bags of Ethics has launched a new Green Tree Badge initiative, to support millions of children nationwide get involved with the world of trees. The national initiative aims to support millions of children’s engagement with trees andstrengthen their understanding of the important role trees have in the earth’s ecosystem and the battle against climate change. Participating children can earn their own Green Tree Badge via the completion of an activity book, with activities taking place across the country, including the exploration of various tree species, how they grow and what wildlife benefits from each. …
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Land Studio launches new ecology division ahead of Biodiversity Net Gain law
Nature-based solutions provider, Land Studio is expanding with the launch of a new ecology division, ahead of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation being introduced in November. The division will be headed up by director of ecology Val Gateley and will provide a range of services, including “ecological surveys, biodiversity net gain assessments, habitat creation, enhancement and restoration,” says Simon Richards, managing director of Land Studio. “We look at all our projects from a holistic perspective that considers both the built and natural environments in equal measure,” adds Richards. “This streamlined approach will create high quality integrate design solutions and…
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