by Holly Chapman | 22 Sep 25 | Grounds Maintenance, News
Ground Control has announced that its highways infrastructure team will be joining the Universal Studios UK investment project.
Securing a vegetation management contract on the £5bn scheme, the moment is a “proud” one for the team, says the grounds maintenance company.
The first-ever UK Universal branded theme park and resort will be located in Bedford, with construction set to begin in 2026 subject to relevant planning consent approvals.
Ground Control’s team will begin working on the access routes between Bedford and Milton Keynes later this year. Works will include keeping the routes safe, clear and ready to welcome millions of visitors to the upcoming Universal Studios destination.
“Another proud moment for our versatile Menzi Muck excavator and the Ground Control mechanised division team, led by senior contact manager Craig Sanders and huge thanks to Skanska for bringing us on board,” writes the company on a recent LinkedIn post.
The infrastructure team ensures works minimise ecological impacts whilst protecting local wildlife and supports biodiversity net gain.
by Holly Chapman | 29 Aug 25 | Grounds Maintenance, Nature & Biodiversity, News
Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund has secured Conservation Covenant (ConCov) approval with wildlife charity Plantlife acting as the responsible body for the sale of biodiversity net gain (BNG) unit sales at Wildfell Habitat Bank in Essex.
The agreement between a ConCov and a responsible body secures the protection and management of land for conservation purposes which is vital for the delivery of BNG, now a legal requirement in the UK.
In addition, Wildfell has achieved certification under Plantlife’s Standard for Biodiversity Improvement. Recertified annually after a minimum of 30 years, the standard ensures long-term quality assurance.
Christ Bawtree, nature recovery director at Ground Control says it is a delight to be collaborating with Plantlife:
“Having worked on the creation of these habitats since 2021, I’ve seen first hand the transformation of the landscape into a connected series of thriving ecosystems, with native species diversity increasing in abundance, year-on-year.”
Peter Dorans, director of business development at Plantlife says the aim behind the partnership is to “support landowners to deliver high integrity, high quality biodiversity gain”.
Emma Hindle, head of sales and service at Evergreen also comments:
“With legal assurance through the Conservation Covenant and certification under Plantlife’s rigorous Biodiversity Standard, Wildfell offers a unique opportunity to invest in nature recovery with confidence.”
The 296-acre Wildfell estate dedicated to nature recovery and conservation offers approximately 383 off-site BNG units, which is now further supported.
by Holly Chapman | 28 Aug 25 | Commercial Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
Ground Control, in partnership with JLL, has transformed an underused outdoor area into a safe and welcoming garden at George Carey Primary School in Barking.
Developed on behalf of Portico Facilities Management, volunteers from Ground Control, Portico and Walker Tree Care collectively helped to create an interactive space ready for the children ahead of the new school year.
The team replaced overgrown shrubbery with child-friendly plants such as senecio (rabbit ears), photinia (red robin), lavender, hebe, japonica, and hostas to stimulate sensory play.
To ensure safety, existing shrubs were reshaped, low branches were pruned and invasive weeds were removed.
Chris Harrison, head teacher of the primary school thanks the entire team for working on the garden during the summer holidays:
“The work completed has transformed the area from a hazardous environment to one of beauty and safety for children. The use and joy that the pupils will get from using this area as a result of your hard work will be immense.
Roy Candlin, account director and SEN programme manager at Ground Control also comments:
“I’m delighted the school is so pleased with the outcome and proud that our skills and dedication have created such a positive social impact.”
The newly landscaped space will create a place of play as they go into a new school year.
by Holly Chapman | 28 Jul 25 | News
In memory of Ground Control’s colleague Simon Wiggins, the company has raised over £50,000 for the Royal National Life Institution (RNLI).
In a heartfelt tribute to Wiggins, who chose the charity while in hospice care, Ground Control has undertaken a wave of fundraising activities such as bake sales, ice bucket challenges and team hikes.
To commemorate the tribute, Wiggin’s family, colleagues and members of the Wells RNLI crew gathered at the lifeboat station for a special plaque unveiling.
Ground Control also donated to Exmouth’s Launch a Memory lifeboat during the unveiling.
Katherine Smith, manager at Ground Control, says “we wanted to honour his [Simon Wiggins] in a meaningful way and reflecting his love of the sea and deep respect for the RNLI’s lifesaving mission”.
Chris Hardy, lifeboat operations manager at Wells RNLI, thanks everyone at Ground Control for their support.
by Holly Chapman | 10 Jul 25 | Grounds Maintenance, Long Reads
Ground Control’s newly promoted business development director, Emma Hindle, talks about the importance of working towards something that “actually makes a difference,” she says.
On a mission to leave the world in a better place than they found it, Ground Control is committed to enhancing and improving the environment. With this in mind, employees like Hindle possess that same mindset.
“I continue to work on giving back to nature, the community and doing something that’s a force for good,” says Hindle.
30 Under 30: Growing in confidence
Since receiving a Pro Landscaper 30 Under 30: The Next Generation award in 2023 at the age of 29, Hindle explains that she has since seen a big growth in her own confidence.
Not only is this down to collecting the prestigious 30 Under 30 award with 29 others in London, but Hindle explains that the recognition also boosted her confidence. She clarifies:
“It wasn’t what I expected, because I didn’t think I was going to win. So it made me proud of what I do; it propelled me.”
Hindle describes winning the award as being recognised for having an important role in making the business successful. While Ground Control focuses on giving back to nature, Hindle looks to a hopeful future where the company continues to enhance biodiversity in one of the most depleted countries in the world, England.
30 Under 30: Giving back
Not only does Hindle give back to nature, she also offers advice to the next group of 30 Under 30 applicants.
She urges, “just do it and recognise what you do – regardless of the role”.
While applicants working for larger companies may see themselves as small in comparison, Hindle reassures those feeling that way:
“Don’t see yourself as any less important. You are contributing to the function of the business.”
Take a look at five reasons to enter the awards here, and read what other 30 Under 30 award winners have been up to here.
Applicants can download a form for Pro Landscaper’s 30 Under 30: The Next Generation 2025, in association with Green-tech here.
by Holly Chapman | 02 Apr 25 | News
Jason Knights succeeds Simon Morrish as CEO of Ground Control as part of the company’s three-year growth plan.
Previously acting as managing director, Knights has grown the company from £120m to a projected £225m in revenue in 2025/26.
The announcement comes as part of the company’s broader leadership transition. Knights comments:
“Ground Control’s success is built on the hard work, dedication and expertise of our people and field teams, while being bold in doing the right thing for our people, planet and sustainable growth.”
Simon Morrish will be stepping down from the CEO role, transitioning to non-executive chairman. He will succeed Martin Leu who is leaving after six years.
Morrish says these transitions represent a “natural progression for the business”. Marcus Watson and Melissa Hungerford will also be leaving the company.
Fellow new board member Lisa Blakey comes in after 18 months as group HR director, and new chief financial officer Martin Nilsson replaces Freddie Wepener.
These transitions come as part of a company goal to promote internally. Blakey says:
“We’re creating a high-performing culture that breaks the traditional mould of industry stereotypes, with transparent career paths and a goal of 80% internal promotions over the next three years.”
Investing in new technology and people development, Knights says he is confident the expansion in both service lines and geography will see the business scale turnover over £300m over the next three years.
by Aidan Williams | 30 Oct 24 | Commercial Landscaping, Grounds Maintenance, News
Kim Morrish has stepped down from her role as a non-executive board member at Ground Control after 20 years.
She also leaves her role as lead of Ground Control’s Evergreen Fund. She initially led the search for and subsequent acquisition of Ground Control, alongside husband Simon.
In that time the company has grown from a small team to a major force within the industry. The company particularly credits her leadership abilities, such as during the acquisition of Tilhill in 2012, and for the expansion into utility arboriculture and rail.
“Kim’s impact has touched every corner of our business. Her leadership and insights have helped to build a supportive workplace, empowering us all to thrive,” says Jason Knights, managing director, in a statement to the Ground Control website.
“Her focus on sustainability and social responsibility has also helped define our company values, from launching the Evergreen Fund to securing B Corp and Carbon Neutral certification.
“It is with gratitude and sadness that we say goodbye to Kim and wish her all the best in her future endeavours. Her legacy as a force for good and her commitment to positive change will continue to inspire us all. Thank you, Kim, for everything you have done for Ground Control and for the many lives you have touched. Your legacy will remain a vital part of our journey.”
Last month Ground Control was shortlisted for the Business Impact Award for its work in tackling modern slavery.
by Bethany Vann | 02 Aug 23 | Nature & Biodiversity, News, Topics
Ground Control has partnered with CBRE and the London Beekeeper to restore a dormant bee habitat at the London Metropolitan University after a ‘harsh’ winter left the rooftop hives in poor condition.
The grounds maintenance company delivered ‘substantial’ repairs to the hives and surrounding planters in support of the recolonisation of local bees.
The planters have been cultivated with low maintenance species, adhering to the rooftop location, including Salvia ‘Blue Spire’, Sedum ewersii var. homophyllum ‘Rosenteppich’, Mediterranean spurge, lavender, and rosemary – all multi-season, pollen-bearing plants.
Ground Control contract manager Matthew Hardy says: “London is overpopulated, and wildlife is scarce and under threat, so to be introducing native pollinating species is a positive step and a great reflection on our values as a company.”
The grounds maintenance company acquired the preventative grounds maintenance contract on behalf of CBRE in March this year.
Ground Control says that the partnership is ‘in the process of designing proposals for engaging the university community in beekeeping, honey production, and now education programmes to raise awareness of the importance of protecting pollinators and encouraging biodiversity.’
This project follows the announcement of Ground Control’s Devana launch, a 100-acre environmental recovery site.
by Bethany Vann | 24 Jul 23 | Grounds Maintenance, Nature & Biodiversity, News, Topics
UK-based grounds maintenance company, Ground Control is launching Devana, a new centre for environmental recovery in West Wickham, Cambridgeshire in line with its nature recovery network remit.
The 100-acre West Wickham site aims to contribute in large part towards Natural Cambridgeshire’s goal to increase land managed for nature across the region from 8%, one of the lowest in the country, to 16%, the national average.
Devana will include approximately 25 native tree species, 20 native shrubs, and a variety of native wildflowers and grasses, creating species-rich habitats to support the colonisation of local fauna including pollinators, birds, and mammals.
Converting arable land of low biodiversity to high biodiversity value, reducing the land’s carbon footprint through the absorption, and storing of carbon through permanent vegetation cover.
Jason Knights, managing director at Ground Control says: “We are committed to reversing the decline of biodiversity in the UK in collaboration with experts and the wider private sector, which owns around 18% of land in the UK. Together, we can lead by example to gain actionable insights that transform environments and inspire wider change.”
The site offers three public footpaths to encourage the engagement with nature and will provide jobs to those in the area, with local agricultural contracts used for a majority of the habitat creation and management works.
Devana marks Ground Control’s second site, its first being the 296-acre Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery in Braintree, Essex.
Ground Control is presently conducting baseline surveys at Devana, including habitat & ecology, soils nutrients & carbon, and trees & hedgerows to inform optimum habitat type creation and baseline reference for future progress.
The national grounds maintenance provider is the 2021 winner of the Pro Landscaper Sustainable Company of the Year award after becoming 100% carbon-neutral in 2020 and in the same year establishing the Evergreen Fund, dedicating 5% of its annual net profits to a £5m Impact Venture Fund ‘committed to environmental initiatives and carbon sequestration’.
