2026

GM1164 - Canada Goose Management - 200726

A local authority is experiencing increased numbers of Canada Geese across its parks, resulting in significant fouling and increased cleansing costs. The authority currently undertakes egg rolling and is keen to understand how others manage this issue.

In particular:

• What measures do you use to manage or control Canada Goose populations?
• How effective have these measures been?
• Have they resulted in reduced goose numbers or cleansing costs?

Any examples of policies, procedures or good practice would be greatly appreciated.

GM1163 - Allotment Waiting Lists and Plot Allocation - 170726

A local authority is reviewing its allotment waiting list and plot allocation processes and would welcome information on current practices across the sector.

In particular:

• How are applicants who do not respond to plot offers managed? Are they removed from the waiting list, contacted again, or retained under certain conditions?
• Do authorities offer the same plot to multiple applicants simultaneously? If so, how is priority determined where more than one applicant accepts?
• How are applicants who express an interest in a plot but are ultimately unsuccessful managed?
• Is there a limit to the number of plot offers an applicant can decline before further action is taken?
• Are there any policies, procedures or examples of good practice that can be shared?

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

GM1162 - Allotment Fees, Deposits and Service Charges - 140726

A member authority is looking to benchmark allotment charging arrangements.

They would welcome information on:

• Annual allotment rental charges.

• Deposit schemes (including whether deposits are refundable).

• Alternative charging arrangements where deposits have been incorporated into annual fees.

• Charges for sheds, greenhouses, polytunnels and other structures.

• Any additional service charges.

• Relevant policies or tenancy agreements.

GM1161 - Grass Cutting, Biodiversity and Fire Risk - 080726

With many local authorities adopting reduced mowing regimes to enhance biodiversity and support nature recovery, there is increasing interest in how these approaches are being balanced with the challenges posed by climate change, particularly prolonged periods of hot, dry weather and the potential for grass fires.

They authority would be interested to hear from other authorities on the following:

• Are you aware of any national guidance, government advice or position statements relating to reduced mowing regimes, biodiversity management and wildfire/fire risk?

• Has your authority adopted a formal policy or risk assessment process to balance biodiversity objectives with fire safety during periods of extreme heat?

• Have you amended your grass cutting regime in response to increased wildfire risks, and if so, what measures have you introduced (e.g. fire breaks, targeted mowing, increased inspections)?

• Have you received any advice or recommendations from your local Fire and Rescue Service on managing long grass during hot weather?

• If available, please share any policies, guidance documents or examples of good practice that may assist other authorities.

GM1160 - Volunteer Management Approaches - 060726

A local authority is reviewing its approach to volunteering and is seeking examples of good practice from other APSE members.

They are particularly interested in how organisations attract, retain, train, insure, and prioritise work for volunteers registered with the authority.

Any insights, models, or supporting documents would be greatly appreciated to help inform and refresh their approach.

GM1159 - Aeration Systems: Managing blue/green algae and pond weeds in a large pond with no source of running water - 060726

A local authority is seeking information from councils/members who have dealt with blue/green algae (cyanobacteria) and pond weeds within a large ornamental pond which is not fed by a source of running water. They would like to know:

• By what means did you address this issue?
• Have you installed a mechanical aeration system?
• Did you encounter any objections or experience any limitations by using an aeration system?
• What results have been established in terms of water quality and biodiversity/habitats after installation of aerators?
• How was success quantified or evidenced in terms of biodiversity/habitats?
• If members have any additional information or case studies in relation to this issue and are happy to share, we would appreciate it.

GM1158 - Glyphosate Reduction and Elimination - 020726

Which local authorities are reducing their use of glyphosate, and which have eliminated it completely?

Please include details of any alternative weed control methods being used and the outcomes achieved.

GM1157 - Mink Control in Council Parks and Open Spaces - 180626

A member is seeking information from member authorities on experience of controlling wild mink in council-owned parks and open spaces.

Specifically:

• Have you carried out mink control (in-house or externally) and what methods were used?
• In what types of locations (e.g. parks, woodlands, lakes, cemeteries)?
• If using an external party, who was this and can you share any agreement?
• Was there any public communication about the works?
• Did you receive any negative feedback?
• Have you seen a reduction in mink following control measures?

Any information or examples of good practice would be appreciated.

GM1156 - Grounds Maintenance Charging – Overheads and On-Cost Percentages - 100626

A member council is reviewing how it calculates its grounds maintenance charges for internal and external clients.

Work to recalculate the cost of each of the routine grounds maintenance operations – e.g. grass cutting with pedestrian mower per m2 – has been completed with the help of APSE. However, these rates do not factor in any overhead costs such as administration, correspondence, inspections, surveying and specialist advice etc.

Are any other councils able to share their rates, and advise on the percentage “on-cost” they apply to cover overheads for both internal and external contracts?

GM1155 - Chemical-Free Weed Control - 100626

A member council is reviewing their weed management approach and exploring non-chemical alternatives. They would appreciate evidence-based input on:

• Methods used
• Effectiveness
• Community response
• Lessons learned

Any examples, reports, or recommendations would be greatly appreciated

GM1154 - Annual Play Space Inspections - 030626

A member authority is reviewing its annual play space inspection arrangements. The authority currently uses the Play Inspection Company under the RPII scope but has recently been approached by Play Source and Kompan.

The authority would welcome feedback from councils using either provider, particularly any experience of Kompan’s “Find & Fix” inspection service.

GM1153 - Public Rights of Way and Social Prescribing - 010626

A local authority is seeking information on how Public Rights of Way (PROW) teams are working with NHS Trusts, GPs, or other health partners to support wellbeing and social prescribing initiatives.

Colleagues are invited to share examples of:

• Promotion of PROW use for health and wellbeing
• Social prescribing schemes linked to PROW
• Work with volunteer groups supporting the network

Any brief details on approaches or key learning would be welcomed.

GM1149 - Signage on Feeding Ducks and Birds - 130526

A member authority would be interested in examples of signage or artwork used to advise and educate the public on responsible feeding of ducks and birds, including messaging on what to feed (and what not to), environmental impacts and animal welfare considerations.

GM1148 - Community Street Weeding - 120526

A member authority is seeking examples of innovative approaches to encourage community involvement in street weeding within residential areas.

Following the move away from chemical weed control methods in some countries, such as France, there is interest in how councils can support and promote resident-led weeding initiatives.

The authority would welcome insight on:

• Successful community engagement or volunteer schemes
• Incentives or campaigns that have encouraged participation
• Practical or operational considerations
• Lessons learned from implementation

GM1146 - Timber from ash die back removal/management - 220526

A local authority is looking to see what other local authorities do with their timber from ash dieback removal/management.

Do you chip it?

Do you leave it on site?

Do you have any ideas or experiences of it being used locally for other purposes?

GM1145 - Managing a Surge in Rats on Allotment Sites - 300426

An allotment site has recently experienced a significant increase in rat activity, including extensive burrowing, damage to sheds, and loss of chickens. Plot holders are concerned about food safety and the wellbeing of children on site.

They have removed as much harbourage as possible but require further support. Pest control colleagues have advised that, since 2024, anticoagulant rodenticides cannot be used in open green spaces.

The site is exploring alternative approaches and would welcome feedback from others on:

• Experience with Rodent Raiders – effectiveness, safety, and any reputational concerns, particularly near residential areas.
• Experience with Goodnature A24 traps – effectiveness, suitability for larger rats, and any issues encountered.
• Any other effective rat control measures for allotment settings.

GM1144 - Operating Call Out Crews Suring Stormy Weather - 290426

How do other authorities operate their call out crews during stormy weather.

• What staff do they have to call on for emergencies out of hours?
• Do they carry out dynamic site risk assessments?
• Do they ever stand them down when its extreme?
• Do they work in the dark? If so, what measures do they have in place for cutting and clearing fallen trees in these conditions?
• Do they recharge private owners when they go out to action trees that are blocking footpaths and roads?

GM1143 - Timescales for Play Area Repairs - 280426

Do any other local authorities offer a timescale to service users (either through an SLA or a KPI or just the signage they put up on site) for the number of weeks play area repairs are expected to take?

GM1142 - Commuted Sums for tree maintenance - 270426

A member authority would like to hear from other authorities on how you calculate Commuted Sums for tree maintenance. Is there a formula or Calculator you use that you would be willing to share?

GM1141 - Play Parks, Parks and Open Spaces Strategies - 220426

A member authority is reviewing their play parks, parks and open spaces and would appreciate any copies of strategies, management plans etc. from other authorities.

GM1140 - Fees and Charges for Fairgrounds and Events in Parks - 150426

A member authority is currently reviewing its fees and charges for activities such as fairgrounds operating within parks and green spaces. They would welcome feedback from other authorities.

⦁ Do member authorities apply a flat daily rate covering the full period on site, or are different rates used for trading days versus set-up and breakdown days?

⦁ Are utilities such as electricity and water typically included within the charge, or billed separately?

⦁ Do authorities require a refundable bond or deposit to cover potential damage, and if so, what level is this set at? Any examples of fee structures or approaches would be greatly appreciated.

GM1139 - Alternative Safer Surfacing for Play Parks - 080426

A member is currently reviewing their options for play park safer surfacing and are keen to hear whether any other members use recycled rubber surfacing (e.g. Nike Grind) within their play parks. If so, what are the pros and cons of such surfacing and what have the experiences been with regards to its longevity and durability? Are there any issues with regards to repairing such safer surfacing e.g. cost implications, long timescales for contractors to obtain such safer surfacing etc?

GM1137 - Parking on Grass Verges -170326

A council would like to know how other authorities manage parking on grass verges. They are interested in the different approaches used across the sector including enforcement powers, physical deterrents and communication with residents. They would welcome brief examples of policies, practical measures, challenges encountered and any lessons learned.

GM1136 - Checks of School Playground Equipment - 160326

A council’s FM service has been approached to start conducting advanced weekly checks of all school playground equipment. For non-education play equipment, this is dealt with by the council’s amenities service. Initial investigation has indicated that this is expected to be an in-depth check of structure, weight, balance, and suitability. The staff are also expected to risk assess and grade all equipment. The authority would like to ask:

⦁ Which department these checks sit in in other authorities?

⦁ Does your authority have designated trained staff for this?

⦁ If you do, do these staff cover education sites?

GM1135 -Managing Assets in Amenity Services - 030326

An authority is looking at using an app-based system to manage assets within Amenities services. This would cover Grounds Maintenance, Public Toilets, Arboriculture, Play Areas and Burial Grounds. The authority would like to hear from any councils currently using an asset management system to manage works, record defects and repairs, and monitor performance (for example through KPIs). Members are also asked whether their systems allow financial information to be captured and reported in real time, to support accurate and up-to-date budget monitoring. Any examples of systems in use or practical experience to share would be appreciated.

GM1134 - Electric-Powered Grounds Maintenance - 040326

A local authority grounds maintenance team is currently trialling a range of electric-powered tools and equipment. The authority would welcome any information on other local authorities’ experiences, including performance, costs, operational benefits or challenges, and lessons learned from transitioning to electric-powered grounds maintenance equipment.

GM1133 - Use of Seasonal Working Hours for Grounds Maintenance Staff - 020326

For a member council, grounds maintenance staff work seasonal hours, with three changes throughout the year to align with operational demand. The council has been asked to review this approach. Is anyone aware of research, data, or benchmarking from other local authorities on the use of seasonal working hours for grounds maintenance (or similar) staff? Any insight into the benefits, challenges or impacts on service delivery and workforce wellbeing would be helpful to inform the decision-making process.

GM1132 - Use of Volunteers for App Inspections - 270226

Does your local authority rely on volunteers to carry out inspections using an app? At a member council, inspections were intended to be undertaken jointly by the Parks and Ward Improvement teams, but this resource is no longer available, and regular inspections are not currently taking place. It would be helpful to hear other local authorities’ experiences of using volunteers for inspections and whether this approach has been effective and sustainable.

GM1130 - Managing Arboricultural Services During Red and Amber Wind Warnings

What actions, processes and policies do you have in place for in-house arborists, during Red and Amber weather warnings for strong winds?

GM1129 - Allotment Society Expenses - 200126

GM1128 - Advertising Grant Funds - 150126

A member council currently has a grant fund available for constituted, not-for-profit local community groups and organisations to support tree planting projects.
 The council would welcome insight from other local authorities on how similar grant schemes have been advertised and promoted, and which approaches have proven most effective in engaging community groups and driving take-up. 

GM1127 - Software for Faults and Playground Inspections - 090126

The council would like to enquire what software packages other local authorities use to record faults, including the ability to photograph and log defects. In addition, it would be helpful to understand which software systems are used specifically for playground inspections and maintenance.
 The council is also interested in knowing whether any authorities use a single system that can manage both general fault reporting and playground inspection/asset management, and, if so, which products are in use and how they are performing in practice.