by Holly Chapman | 10 Jul 26 | Landscape Architecture, News
Dr Saira Ali has officially stepped into the role of president of the Landscape Institute (LI).
An award-winning landscape architect with more than 20 years of experience, Ali succeeds Carolin Göhler, who has seen a significant programme of renewal and revitalisation across the LI.
First announced in June 2025, Ali was voted onto the board with eleven other members.
Her priority is to ensure Institute members are “empowered, celebrated and heard and that we step forward as mentors” to inspire the next generation. She adds:
“As President, my ambition is not simply to lead the Landscape Institute, but to help us tell our story with greater confidence.
“I want to celebrate the outstanding work of our members, inspire the next generation of landscape professionals, strengthen our voice in shaping policy and decision-making, and build partnerships that demonstrate the essential role our profession plays in creating a healthier, fairer and more resilient world.”
Currently the head of Bradford Council’s landscape design and conservation team, Ali picked up two Pro Landscaper Sustainability & Biodiversity Award last year – Local Authority Award and Commercial Build Project of the Year (Large Scale) for Bradford’s Transforming Cities project.
This year’s Pro Landscaper Biodiversity and Sustainability Awards are now open for entries.
by Holly Chapman | 10 Jun 26 | Landscape Architecture, Nature & Biodiversity, News
Within a new national survey commissioned by the Landscape Institute (LI) and conducted by Ipsos reveals a public interest in green, landscape-led housing developments across the UK.
Where 90% of respondents say green features between buildings and pavements are important, 89% agree that access to communal green space matters when choosing a home.
First-phase findings intends to inform conversations across the built environment sector, including at UKREiiF 2026.
Other figures include 83% nature conservation is important in housing development, while 78% value features that help to better manage rainwater.
Carolin Göhler, president of the LI, comments on the research:
“The findings of this public poll underline that placing landscape at the forefront of any development is a necessity for creating places that people want and can thrive in. Landscape is the foundation of healthy nature, thriving communities and long-term economic and environmental resilience.”
The public research also reinforces the LI’s long-term vision of enriching, resilient landscapes where people and nature take a central focus.
On top of this, the LI has also found that while the landscape sector contributes £25bn a year to the UK economy, there are still hard-to-fill vacancies which are caused by skills shortages. Read more on the study here.
by Holly Chapman | 08 Dec 25 | Nature & Biodiversity, News, Sustainability
The Landscape Institute (LI) reaction to the government’s new Environmental Improvement Plan recognises its shortfalls whilst welcoming its important steps towards embedding a landscape-led approach in decision making processes.
“We particularly endorse commitments to update landscape and seascape character assessments and review the implementation of the European Landscape Convention,” says the institute.
The LI also welcomes the commitment to significant funding from the agricultural support budget for the Landscape Recovery Scheme.
However, “therein also lies a significant shortfall,” it argues.
The Plan’s focus remains heavily on protected landscapes, says the LI, and whilst such landscapes are vital, they represent only a fraction of the places where action is needed.
Read the full reaction to the Environmental Improvement Plan here.
by Holly Chapman | 18 Nov 25 | Landscape Architecture, News
During an awards ceremony that took place on Friday 14 November, the Landscape Institute (LI) Awards celebrated its winners with professionals from across the industry.
With more than 200 entries across 17 categories, the awards “reflected growth, ambition and innovation across the sector,” says the institute.
The winners, a full list can be found here, include projects from Grant Associates, HTA Design and The Royal Parks.
The Urban Nature Project at the Natural History Museum, as featured in Pro Landscaper’s October issue, received the Excellence in Landscape Design Award which was presented to J&L Gibbons.
Hosted by horticulturalist and presenter Frances Tophill, the awards “embody the creativity and technical excellence that define our profession at its best, and we congratulate all the finalists and winners,” says LI chief executive, Rob Hughes.
This year’s theme, ‘connecting people, place and nature’, has been reflected in each winner through sustainability, wellbeing and connection.
by Bethany Vann | 12 Nov 25 | Landscape Architecture, News
The Landscape Institute’s (LI) new website, launched this week, has been met with mixed reactions from its members.
After announcing its rebrand earlier this year, the LI unveiled its new digital hub – My LI – on 10 November, following a site wide 19 day shutdown.
The launch has been met with a mixed response from LI members, with some expressing concerns over aspects of usability, content organisation, and member visibility.
When Pro Landscaper reached out to the LI for comment, the professional body acknowledged the feedback and stated that it will continue to make improvements based on user input.
Noting that part of the ‘live testing’ phase will see the LI taking onboard feedback that will go towards making vital improvements.
LI members are encouraged to send their feedback directly to newdigitalhome@landscapeinstitute.org, as well as to attend a member drop-in session on 8 December.
Read Rob Hughes’, CEO of the LI, full response below:
“The LI launched a new digital home on Monday 10 November. Underpinned by a new website, new My LI platform, and a suite of digital services, our new digital home will play a pivotal role in how we engage, support and collaborate with members. It will result in an improved service from the LI, with strong data security, and mean members get better value from their membership.
“As part of a phased, ‘live testing’ approach, we’ll be rolling out the new system gradually from now, with new features and opportunities for members to feedback and improve the system continuing into 2026 and beyond.
“It is vital that our members use the system and feedback so that we can address problems. Feedback is vital for this ‘live testing’ to work. It will allow us to improve functionality and identify and resolve issues as they arise.
“For example, we noticed on the day of the launch that the search function for the Member Directory on the new website was overly prescriptive. This was resolved within a day and searching the Directory is now more straightforward.
“We ask members to get in touch directly at newdigitalhome@landscapeinstitute.org with feedback and consider joining a member drop-in session on 8 December if they want to discuss further.
“Our new digital home is laying the foundations for a more modern, adaptable Landscape Institute, and will deliver long term value with better member services, improved operations, and more opportunities for members to connect, collaborate, and promote their work.
“We are grateful to our members for their helping us improve and shape the system so that the LI can better support them throughout their careers.”
by Holly Chapman | 03 Oct 25 | News, Sustainability
A new Landscape Carbon Overlay has been launched by the Landscape Institute (LI), designed to help landscape and wider built and natural environment practitioners cut carbon in projects.
Supported by case studies and a series of guides, the new guidance is available throughout RIBA Plan of Work stages.
Guides feature detailed, step-by-step approaches for implementing carbon reduction strategies and improving project outcomes.
The LI has also announced there will be more landscape carbon tools to be published in late-November. This includes a database and guidance on common landscape carbon tools, guidance on the uses and benefits of environmental product declarations (EPDs) and product category rules (PCRs) and a database and guidance on EPD databanks.
Rob Hughes, chief executive of the LI, says the framework has been “developed through the expertise of our members and the dedication of our staff”.
Find more information on the new Landscape Carbon Overlay here.
by Holly Chapman | 12 Aug 25 | News
The Landscape Institute (LI) has announced the finalists of the LI Awards 2025.
This year’s theme, ‘connecting people, place and nature’, is judged across 17 award categories.
The LI has also revealed it received over 228 entries, adding this “demonstrated the increasing importance and prestige of the LI Awards across the industry”.
Finalists include HTA Design, Grant Associates, The Royal Parks and Gustafson Porter + Bowman across a range of categories.
Click here to read the full list of finalists.
Winners will be announced at the Awards ceremony on 14 November at The Brewery in London, hosted by Frances Tophill.
by Bethany Vann, Landscape Institute | 30 Jul 25 | News
The Landscape Institute (LI) has undergone a new people focused refresh; in a move it says strengthens the brand and improves accessibility.
The refresh, which follows a two-year consultation period with members and staff, is designed to futureproof the LI’s identity; allowing room for evolution in the years to come as it approaches its centenary year in 2029.
It is hoped that this rebrand will create a brand that is easily recognisable, accessible and inclusive, as well as consistent across its platforms and impactful in the delivery of its core values.
The updated logo comes with a new marque and tagline highlighting what the association says is a commitment to delivering long-term value for people, place and nature.
Carolin Göhler FLI, president of the Landscape Institute comments on the rebrand:
“This is a crucial time for the Landscape Institute – there has never been a greater need for resilient landscapes and for our members’ skills – to plan, manage, design and enhance landscapes that support people and nature. Our new brand identity, aligned with our Corporate Strategy, published last month, will help us speak up for the importance of landscapes and the vital role our members play – for people, place and nature.”
The refresh comes as part of the Strategic Outcomes set out in the LI’s new Corporate Strategy: that the Landscape Institute and its members are Expert, Essential and Inclusive.
by Holly Chapman | 27 Jun 25 | News
The Landscape Institute
(LI) has launched a new five-year corporate strategy, focused on supporting landscaping professionals to deliver value for people, place and nature.
Connecting People, Place and Nature: Corporate Strategy 2025-30 has been developed through member consultation, diverse workshops and sessions with the LI’s council.
The strategy has set out three strategic outcomes to achieve by 2030 which include recognising landscape-led approaches as essential to deliver sustainable solutions to societal and nature needs.
It also intends to enable landscape professionals to work to the highest professional standards, as well as defining the LI as an inclusive and trust community.
Equality, diversity, inclusion, climate change and biodiversity will also be addressed within LI work.
Carolin Göhler, president of LI says:
“With a strong vision, purpose and outcomes, our members, volunteers and staff will be able to work together to support the success of the landscape profession, enhance landscapes and through that support our environment, health and economy.”
Rob Hughes, chief executive officer of LI also comments, explaining the strategy is based on research and analysis of the external environment, adding:
“It sets the LI on a clear path, supporting our members in doing their vital work to plan, design, protect and enhance landscapes for people, place and nature.”
Read the new Landscape Institute Corporate Strategy here.
by Holly Chapman | 12 Jun 25 | News
The unveiling of the government’s Spending Review on 11 June sets out financial plans and investment priorities for the next three years. The Landscape Institute and the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA) have already released their comments.
While the Landscape Institute urges the government to prioritise a landscape-led approach, the government’s recognition of the importance of parks and high streets is encouraging, says the institution.
Presented by Rachel Reeves, the Spending Review follows an Autumn Budget which announced rising workforce costs and uncertainty around Defra-led funding schemes.
Belinda Gordon, director of policy and public affairs comments:
“Through landscape-led approaches to development, we can deliver economic growth and long-term value as well as benefits for the environment and local communities.”
Gordon adds that the government “must recognise this to make the most of public spending.”
Fran Barnes, chief executive of the HTA also comments on the government’s review, as she explains “environmental horticulture should not be overlooked.”
As the HTA await further details on what funding schemes and support will look like, Barnes adds:
“Green spaces must be factored into planning from day one.”
by Holly Chapman | 22 May 25 | Landscape Architecture, Nature & Biodiversity, News
The Landscape Institute (LI) makes the case for landscape-led development in a new briefing report launched at the UK Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (RUREiiF) this week.
The report encourages built environment professionals to think about the design, the build and community influence from a landscape perspective.
A landscape-led approach can deliver healthy, thriving, nature-positive places for people in future, according to the LI.
This report comes as the UK is set to deliver 1.5 million new homes in England, as landscape-led development can improve biodiversity while creating long-term economic and social value.
According to LI’s president, Carolin Göhler, “buildings are just one component of new places; it’s the landscape that determines the long-term desirability, distinctiveness and enduring value of a place,” adding:
“We need stronger national direction and local enforcement that ensures landscape isn’t treated as an afterthought.”
The LI has hosted two events as part of UKREiiF this week, including a walk and talk event exploring the urban transformation of Bradford city centre and a networking event celebrating the launch of the landscape-led briefing.
by Bethany Vann | 12 Mar 25 | Nature & Biodiversity, News
The Landscape Institute expresses its fear over potential biodiversity loss as a result of the government’s new Planning and Infrastructure Bill.
Announced by deputy prime minister and secretary of state for housing, Rt Hon. Angela Rayner MP, the bill sets out several measures designed to speed up planning decisions.
Sir John Armitt, chair of the national Infrastructure commission comments:
“This bold and broad-ranging package of measures should deliver a planning system optimised to enable the significant amounts of new energy, transport and water infrastructure the country will need to thrive over the long term.”
The Landscape Institute (LI) however is ‘concerned’ that changes to the Nature Restoration Fund outlined in the bill could allow developers to opt out of on-site mitigation obligations.
“This could lead to biodiversity loss and a reduction in people’s access to nature – vital for our health and wellbeing. Instead, we advocate clear safeguards that retain and strengthen on-site mitigation and robust biodiversity net gain requirements for any size of development to contribute to”, says Carolin Göhler FLI, president of the LI.
She adds that “on-site mitigation is crucial for genuine, long-term benefits for people, place and nature.”
The LI is urging the government to engage ‘closely’ with landscape professionals to “ensure sustainable, resilient natural environments that support the wellbeing of communities.”
More information on the bill can be found at gov.uk/government/publications/the-planning-and-infrastructure-bill.
by Bethany Vann, Landscape Institute | 24 Feb 25 | Commercial Landscaping, Nature & Biodiversity, News, Sustainability
Over 10 organisations from across the built and natural environment sectors have signed a letter calling on the UK government to address rising tensions between development and nature conservation.
The letter which has been addressed to prime minister, Keir Starmer and chancellor, Rachel Reeves, comes in response to concerns that the government is suggesting that “we must choose between building homes for people and protecting our natural environment.”
One of the signatories, the Landscape Institute, says that to achieve both the government “must work closely” with landscape architects. Planners, ecologists, and other environmental sustainability experts.
Collectively the signatories are also urging the government to act on the findings of the Dasgupta Review, support policies that promote nature-positive development, and to invest in nature recovery initiatives, as well as local authorities.
The letter has sent on behalf of the following organisations: British Ecological Society; Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists; Chartered Institute of Building; Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management; The Environmental Policy Forum; Institute of Chartered Foresters; Institute of Fisheries Management; Institution of Environmental Sciences; Institution of Royal Engineers; The Landscape Institute; Society for the Environment.
The full letter can be read here.
by Aidan Williams | 31 Oct 24 | Nature & Biodiversity, News
Landscape Institute (LI) has praised the government’s approach to meeting its aim of protecting 30% of land and sea protected for nature restoration, with the target being 30% by 2030.
However, the UK is currently only at 7.1%, but the government has been working with farming and nature groups to finalise the criteria for what should count towards the target.
In addition to this, analysis is now being undertaken to identify further land which may already be meeting the criteria.
It has also clarified that Sites of Special Scientific Interest will only count towards 30 by 30 if they are in favourable or recovering condition.
Belinda Gordon, director of policy & public affairs at the Landscape Institute says: “It is encouraging that the government has now set out its approach for delivery on its commitment to the ‘30 by 30’ targets. Action, rigour and speed are essential.
“For the government to achieve these targets while also meeting its ambitions for housebuilding and critical infrastructure will place demands on policymakers, the public, and the environment.”
However, it was not all praise, with the LI identifying other areas which the government could consider to assist its aims.
Gordon continues: “However, we believe there are also significant opportunities to contribute to targets by leveraging Other Effective area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs) through strategic landscape management.
“A landscape-led approach, as delivered by landscape professionals, is integral to the success of the ‘30 by 30’ strategy, and can help the government address competing objectives in housing, climate resilience, and public health.”
Elsewhere, the government published the Autumn Budget yesterday, and we have dived into what it could mean for landscaping and horticulture.
by Aidan Williams | 27 Aug 24 | Landscape Architecture, News
The Landscape Institute have announced that Jonathan Ellis and Belinda Gordon will be joining the group.
Ellis will take up the position of director of membership and professional standards, while Gordon will become the next director of policy and public affairs.
Gordon has previously been strategy director at environmental think-tank Green Alliance where she was responsible for developing and executing the organisation’s strategy.
Meanwhile, Ellis has over 25 years’ experience delivering high-impact change, and expertise working in professional membership organisations.
Robert Hughes, CEO of the Landscape Institute, says: “To ensure that we can continue to respond to a changing environment, we are making positive changes in the way we work at the LI to foster a culture of collaboration, strengthening our member value proposition and putting members at the heart of decision making.
“These roles are crucial as we implement our New Ways of Working in the Business Plan and move towards a new Corporate Strategy. They will add significant value both internally and externally, allowing us to progress towards our next phase.”
