Landscape Institute launches biosecurity toolkit to help landscape consultants protect UK ecosystems

Plant health and biosecurity issues present a major threat to ecosystem resilience. Landscape consultants work in high-risk environments, where they might inadvertently introduce or spread new pests and diseases into the landscape at any stage of a project. And with the uncertainty in the UK’s trading future with the EU - and beyond - it is more crucial than ever that those in the landscape sector implement biosecurity principles at every stage of their work.

The Landscape Institute (LI) has published a new plant health and biosecurity toolkit for landscape consultants to prioritise action against pests and diseases that threaten our crops, trees, gardens and landscapes in every part of the plant supply chain. This new resource is launched in partnership with the Society of Garden Designers (SGD), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) and the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) to embed biosecurity best practice in every stage of a project, from landscape assessment through to management.

Plant pests and diseases are a normal characteristic of the environment and usually exist in equilibrium with their hosts, which naturally limit their spread. At a landscape scale, some pests and diseases can be even be beneficial in terms of habitat creation and the carbon cycle. However, we are still living with the consequences of Dutch elm disease some thirty years on, so it is worrying to see a recent spate of ‘exotic’ pests and diseases being found in areas where they have few natural control measures or predators. Examples include ash dieback, oak processionary moth, sweet chestnut blight and Massaria disease of plane trees. These new pests and diseases have economic, social and environmental impacts and the role of landscape consultants is critical in managing this problem, exacerbated by the greater globalisation of trade and the effects of climate change.

From large plants that are imported with larger soil volumes to managing work sites where disease can spread in other ways – including the use of soil and growing mediums, wood, packaging materials, vehicles, machinery and equipment – landscape consultants now have the opportunity to offer a solution to this industry-wide problem.

Landscape architects, garden designers and contractors all specify plants and materials in their work. This biosecurity toolkit defines the processes to be adopted, while promoting best practice across the industry and setting out clear guidance for each stage of a project.

One important practical feature of the toolkit is the species selection guide - an A to Z list of the 90 most common genera encountered by landscape professionals that sets out the risks from pests and diseases and the actions to take to mitigate them. Although Defra’s UK Plant Health Risk Register is a valuable resource, this new toolkit breaks down the different risks and makes the information more accessible and digestible to a wider audience of practitioners who may know a lot about plants, but not necessarily as much about pests. When landscape professionals develop their concepts and choose their plants, it is vital that they understand the importance of species selection and their responsibility to use healthy and risk-free plants. 

Adam White, President of the Landscape Institute said: “Many associations individually provide guidance on biosecurity, but their advice largely focuses on foresters, nurseries and contractors.

“As a professional body, we are keen to see better skills and standards developed. This toolkit should align well with the Plant Health Management Standard which focuses on risk throughout the ornamental and amenity plant supply chain.

“It is really important at a time when our climates are changing that designers really think about the plants, where they are coming from and how we can protect them from any further disease. It is fantastic to be launching this guide as part of a wider industry partnership. Introducing this toolkit to delegates at our biosecurity CPD day at Kew Gardens on Friday 14 June will be the first step in encouraging members to adapt their thinking about biosecurity at every stage of their work.”

Harry Watkins, Chair of the Landscape Institute biosecurity working group said: “Biosecurity is a major emerging issue for landscape consultants, affecting every stage of the work we undertake - from landscape assessment through to design, specification, contract administration and landscape management.

“We know well the devastation caused by Dutch elm disease and ash dieback, but the potential impact of pests and pathogens is much wider and could have landscape-scale consequences. We need to be prepared and develop new forms of practice.

“The Landscape Institute has coordinated an industry-wide response, preparing the first piece of guidance aimed specifically at those working in landscape assessment, design and management. This toolkit embeds the principles of the government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the UK Biological Security Strategy, and will become an essential part of every landscape project.”

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To download the toolkit, please click here.

To find out more about the LI’s biosecurity CPD day and book tickets, please click here.

For further information, interview requests, or images please contact Jane Bevan or Kerry Marshall at Firebird PR:

T: 01235 835 297/ 07977 459 547

E: [email protected]; [email protected]

Available for interview

• Harry Watkins, Chair of the Landscape Institute (LI) Plant Health and Biosecurity Group
• Alistair Yeomans, Horticulture Manager at the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA)
• Owen Baker, Technical Officer (Policy & Research) at the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI)

Additional supporting quotes

Phil Tremayne, General Manager at the Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), said:

“Biosecurity is something that affects the whole industry and failure to plan ahead could be catastrophic.

“The Association of Professional Landscapers are pleased to be supporting this initiative by the Landscape Institute and feel it sits excellently with the HTA’s Plant Health Management Standard.

“The only way these issues can be successfully controlled is for the leading trade bodies to work together and deliver combined support and information.

“These initiatives provide this and will only serve to better support this great industry and the people who work in it.”

Darren Taylor, Marketing and Communications Manager at the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) said:

“BALI is committed to championing the highest standards of design, construction and maintenance in the landscape industry. We proudly support the activities of the landscape profession while respecting both the important role our members play as custodians of the landscape, and the intrinsic value of protecting the environment.

“Working closely with members, BALI has developed its own biosecurity principles, which help to protect and secure the future of the wider environment and support the growth and success of our members’ businesses. The Association is also delighted to have joined forces with other leading professional bodies within the industry, including the Landscape Institute, to launch this Consultant’s Toolkit.

“BALI will be actively encouraging its members to use the toolkit as a principal guide to best practice, ensuring we continue to create, revive, manage and maintain healthy landscapes for this generation and future generations to come.”

Notes to editors

About the Landscape Institute

The Landscape Institute (LI) is the chartered body for the landscape profession and is the professional home for all landscape practitioners including landscape scientists, landscape planners, landscape architects, landscape managers and urban designers. It is an educational charity that promotes the art and science of landscape practice. The LI’s aim, through the work of its members is to protect, conserve and enhance the natural and built environment for the public benefit.
www.landscapeinstitute.org or @talklandscape

About the Plant Health Management Standard

The Plant Health Management Standard has been developed by the horticulture industry, with input from government and third sector organisations. It sets out key requirements for plant health management and relates to a range of horticultural businesses and organisations, including commercial nurseries, plant retailers, landscape management businesses and public gardens. Details of the Standard can be found on the website www.planthealthy.org.uk, where a link to the biosecurity toolkit can also be found in the resources section.

The Landscape Institute’s #chooselandscape campaign
One of the most pressing challenges for the landscape profession is a skills shortage at a time when the sector is growing steadily. In order to help inspire more people into the profession the Landscape Institute is providing support and leadership with a new campaign - #chooselandscape - which is going to be instrumental in promoting the different routes into the profession, providing a cohesive approach to ensure a diverse and healthy workforce for the future.