Promoting Best Practice

The Amenity Forum has appointed Ian Barnett, Regional Technical Manager (South West UK) at DLF Seeds, to its Board of Directors.Ian brings more than 30 years’ experience in the amenity and turf sector, working with local authorities, contractors, sports facilities, turf growers and land managers across the UK. His appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise represented on the Forum’s Board.Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said: “We are delighted to welcome Ian to the Board. He brings a wealth of technical expertise and practical experience from across the amenity sector, together with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing those responsible for managing our landscapes, sports facilities and public spaces.As the sector responds to changing environmental expectations, regulatory developments and the need to attract and develop skilled professionals, Ian’s insight and experience will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as the Forum continues to promote best practice, professional competence and responsible amenity management.”Ian Barnett said: “I am proud to join the Board of the Amenity Forum. The Forum plays an important role in bringing the sector together, promoting best practice and helping to ensure those working in amenity management are informed, connected and supported.I look forward to working with fellow Directors and stakeholders from across the industry to help advance the Forum’s objectives and support the continued development of the sector.”As part of our new ‘Meet the Board’ series, we spoke to Ian Barnett about the opportunities and challenges facing the amenity sector and what he hopes to achieve as a Director.Q&A: Ian Barnett What attracted you to the Amenity Forum and the opportunity to join its Board? I wanted to join the Board because I believe the Amenity Forum provides an important voice for the amenity sector. Bringing together organisations from across the industry to share knowledge, promote best practice and support professional standards has never been more important. The sector faces a range of opportunities and challenges, from environmental change and biodiversity enhancement to skills and regulation, and I am keen to play a part in helping the Forum support its members and the wider industry.Why is the work of the Amenity Forum important? The Amenity Forum provides an important voice for the sector. Education is a huge part of that. Everything we do affects the public, so it is vital that we are both educated and able to educate others. The Forum helps raise awareness of the work being done to create and manage habitats whilst promoting best practice and ensuring we operate legally, responsibly and professionally.What are the biggest trends you are seeing in the amenity sector? One of the biggest growth areas is wildflowers, particularly within the public sector. Wildflower areas can help organisations meet environmental commitments whilst creating attractive habitats that are lower maintenance and more cost effective than traditional intensively managed turf. There is also increasing interest in sustainable planting solutions, including grasses requiring less irrigation and varieties better suited to changing environmental conditions. Alongside this, the reduction in available curative chemistry continues to drive innovation in disease-resistant grass varieties and alternative management approaches.What do you hope to achieve as a Director? I would like to see the Forum continue to strengthen its role as a trusted voice for the amenity sector, supporting professional competence, promoting best practice and helping the industry respond to changing environmental, regulatory and societal expectations. Bringing organisations together and encouraging collaboration will be increasingly important as the sector addresses future challenges.The Board of Directors comprises representatives from a broad range of organisations and disciplines, reflecting the diversity of the amenity sector. Further profiles of Board members will be published over the coming months.

97% of HSE Pesticide Enforcement Visits in 2025 Required ActionThe Amenity Forum is urging amenity businesses, contractors, local authorities, housing providers and other land managers to review their compliance arrangements following recent Health and Safety Executive (HSE) pesticide enforcement findings which showed that action was required following 97% of official control visits carried out during 2025.At the Forum’s Updating Event in May, delegates were presented with an overview of official control activity undertaken across England, Wales and Scotland. The findings highlighted a number of recurring compliance issues affecting organisations across several sectors, including amenity management, horticulture and forestry.The most common issues identified related to pesticide storage, stock control, record keeping, inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated equipment and registration under the Official Controls Regulations.The findings reinforce the need for organisations to maintain robust management systems, ensure staff remain competent and up to date, and regularly review compliance arrangements.Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said:“The findings highlight that there remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance across the sector. Whilst many of the issues identified can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls, the figures demonstrate the importance of maintaining robust systems and regularly reviewing procedures.Good practice is not simply about meeting legal requirements; it is about protecting people, protecting the environment and maintaining public confidence in the work our sector undertakes every day.Every organisation should take the opportunity to review its arrangements, strengthen professional standards and ensure compliance remains a priority”The Amenity Forum is encouraging organisations to take the following five actions:• Review pesticide stores and ensure bunding, fire protection and storage arrangements remain suitable. • Audit pesticide stocks and remove any unauthorised or expired products. • Ensure spray records are complete, compliant and readily available for inspection. • Verify that pedestrian-operated spraying equipment has been inspected where required. • Confirm registration requirements under the Official Controls Regulations have been met.The Forum believes these findings reinforce the importance of ongoing training, continuing professional development and the adoption of industry best practice. By taking proactive steps now, organisations can reduce risk, improve compliance and demonstrate their commitment to professional standards.Whilst action was required following the majority of visits, only a relatively small proportion resulted in enforcement notices. The findings suggest that many compliance issues can be addressed through improved awareness, training and management controls before formal enforcement action becomes necessary.The Amenity Forum continues to work with members, regulators and stakeholders to promote best practice, professionalism and responsible management across the amenity sector.For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit www.amenityforum.net

We are pleased to announce that the Board of the Amenity Forum has agreed to appoint Corrina Urquhart as the Forum’s new fractional Executive Officer.Corrina brings significant experience from across the land-based and environmental sectors, including her recent role as Chief Executive of BASIS Registration Ltd. She will support the Forum in strengthening its membership engagement, policy influence and sector profile at an important time for the industry.We look forward to introducing Corrina to members and stakeholders and working together to continue strengthening the Forum’s voice and impact across the amenity sector.