Nature & Biodiversity
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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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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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£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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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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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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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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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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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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New House of Lords ruling could be detrimental to UK housebuilding target, says Fix Radio
The governments’ recent plans to relax restrictions on water pollution has been blocked by the House of Lords. The government put forward plans to remove EU-era ‘nutrient neutrality’ rules last month, with the intention to encourage housebuilding amid current sector slump, and support its own housebuilding target. UK housebuilding has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade, with only 898 major residential projects approved between April and June this year, says trade radio station Fix Radio. Approval rates for major residential projects between April and June has fallen by 11%, in comparison to the same time last year;…
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Invasive fire ants spread across Europe for the first time
The red fire ant, Solenopsis Invicta, has been identified across 88 ant nests spread over 12 acres in the city of Syracuse, Italy. The invasive non-native ant species is thought to have spread from the US or China. Now established in Italy, studies warn of its rapid spread through Europe and the UK as it is one of the most invasive and destructive species. The red fire ant has a ravenous appetite, with the ability to destroy crops and known to pose a risk to native ecosystems, farming, and human health. With a painful sting, injecting venom to its victim if…
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The Wildlife Trusts’ big wild walk takes on new ambassador
Rhiane Fatinikun, founder of Black Girls Hike, has been announced as the new ambassador for The Wildlife Trusts. Fatinikun will champion the Big Wild Walk this October. Participants can create their own adventure, whether that’s by walking, running, cycling, wheeling, or swimming. The challenge is to walk three kilometres in a week – the same distance a hedgehog travels each night. Money raised will go towards helping wildlife recover and contribute towards The Wildlife Trusts’ goal of protecting 30% of UK’s land and sea for nature by 2030. The Big Wild Walk takes place during half term from Monday 16…
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The Plant Based Podcast reaches 200 episodes
The Plant Based Podcast, which has been running for 12 series, released its 200th episode on Sunday. It is run by Michael Perry, director of Mr Plant Geek, and Ellen Mary, founder of People Plants Wellbeing Nature Therapy Consultancy. “More people than ever are appreciating the importance of plants in our day to day lives. The Plant Based Podcast is about anything that can be traced back to plants… with subjects ranging from foraging for medicinal plants and baking with edible flowers, to plant-based body builders and clothes made from bamboo… This is not just another gardening podcast.” – Michael…
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New president-elect announced for Landscape Institute
Landscape architect and horticulturist Carolin Göhler has been revealed as the new president-elect at the Landscape Institute, saying she looks forward to “a new chapter to build a progressive and inclusive” organisation. The announcement comes after what has been a controversial year for the Landscape Institute, after its previous president-elect Brodie McAllister was removed from the position and as a trustee, sparking some members to call an EGM earlier this year, though the EGM was “unofficial” and the Landscape Institute urged members to not attend. From June next year, Göhler will become the 45th president of the Institute, serving a…
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National Landscape Award winners announced
The winners have been announced for this year’s National Landscape Awards 2023. Winners span across 25 categories, with 50 companies being recognised, including Ground Control – which has won five – and Wright Landscapes and GP Plantscape, which both have won three. In total, 69 awards were presented. “The willingness to partake in this process highlights our members’ continued commitment to driving the industry forward, promoting excellence and encouraging fresh talent,” says BALI chief executive, Wayne Grills. The National Landscape Awards ceremony will be held at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane in London on 1 December. The event…
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Biodiversity gets a boost at one of England’s oldest nature reserves
One of England’s oldest nature reserves is set for an increase in biodiversity as local fauna is reintroduced and wild flora is increased. Natural England has started work to increase biodiversity on additional land at Wybunbury Moss in Cheshire, following the Church Commissioners for England agreeing to lease two fields of nearly 15 acres in an effort to protect moss lands and restore the fields to a ‘more natural state’. The site covers an area of approximately 16.5hain total and “supports an outstanding collection of invertebrates, including many nationally and locally rare species,” says Natural England senior reserve manager, Paul…
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West Sussex town receives RHS grant
A town on the River Arun in West Sussex has received a grant from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to support its local greening programme. The Greening Arundel initiative, still in its first year, has received funding to help make Arundel a greener place to live, work and visit, says the group. The initiative has a ‘Green Team’ of 30 who have contributed over 500 volunteer hours, transforming areas across Arundel, including the establishment of a herb garden at the town quayside, and the potting of more plants around town amenities, such as the train station. “The timing of the…
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AI to combat rise in Asian hornet sighting
AI software is being used to combat the rise in Asian hornet sightings across the UK, a number that has doubled in the last year. Pollenize, a Plymouth-based beekeeping and conservation company, has developed an automated system that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to identify and report Asian hornets to the authorities. Stations will be placed across the UK at high-risk sites, including 21 ports, and will operate as an early-warning system, automatically identifying sightings of the non-native species, enabling prompt action to be taken to prevent potential spreading. The monitoring stations will deploy a mist, attracting hornets to the device,…
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