We are now entering the autumn and winter periods of the year, when soil and air temperatures are beginning to fall into single figures. The nights are now drawing in and, with the clocks going back at the end of the month, soon we will be in darkness by the late afternoon.

It goes without saying turf professionals are entering a new phase of our working year. Grass growth will start to slow down, and we will be seing more heavy dews on playing surfaces that will exacerbate the incidence of turf disease. This formation of a dew layer creates a warm, moist environment that makes the environmental conditions favourable for certain outbreaks.

Diseases are caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens. If your grass has visible symptoms, the first step is identification to decide if the problem is a plant disease.

Once you have determined that a real problem exists, and is caused by a living organism, you need to decide what type of organism may be causing the damage. Begin by establishing which plant part or growth stage is showing symptoms. 

In sports turf situations the problem is generally associated with distorted growth, seedling diseases and leaf symptoms. 

Leaf symptoms are seen in many forms: discolouration (yellowing or shades of green), localised or indistinct patterns, usually indicate a virus; dead areas on leaves can be caused by fungi or bacteria. Necrotic areas caused by fungi may contain hyphae or fruiting bodies, particularly after incubation in a warm, moist environment. 

Understanding the specific disease, or the life cycle of the pathogen involved, is necessary to ensure effective controls can be implemented. Three major factors contribute to the development of a plant disease: a susceptible host, a virulent pathogen, and a favourable environment. A plant disease results when these three factors occur simultaneously. 

Environmental extremes of temperature, light, or moisture can accentuate many diseases. Cool, moist conditions are ideal for many fungal pathogens. Understanding the disease cycle is important when considering control options. Learning the chain of events that contribute to a disease helps point out the weakest links. Control measures can then be used to break the cycle. Most pathogens must survive an adverse period, usually winter, when they do not actively cause plant diseases.

The main management tool for controlling pests and diseases is, by definition, an Integrated Pest Management strategy (IPM) that comprises several tasks and checks providing a comprehensive approach to controlling insects, weeds and pathogens in an economically and environmentally sensitive way, using cultural biological and chemical management tools to reduce the incidence of infection in managed turf. The disease triangle is a concept of plant pathology and is based on the principle that disease is the result of an interaction between a host, a potential pathogen and the environment or weather conditions. 

Plant disease is prevented by elimination of any one of these three causal components and of course there are further influences.  

Keeping the sward healthy and reducing the conditions that favour disease will be the first priority to keep disease from your turf. The following actions should help you achieve this:

• Carry out programmes of aeration to help keep the surface free draining.
• Inspect and monitor existing surface water drainage systems; ensure that they are working.
• Prevent moist conditions remaining on the surface by brushing/sweeping/switching the playing surface (remove dew).
• Apply a balanced fertiliser to keep the sward healthy. A soil analysis will identify fertiliser requirements.
• Control thatch layers as thatch provides a good environment for the disease outbreaks. Reduce thatch by hollow coring and scarification.
• Reduce the return of clippings. An accumulation of dead matter will increase thatch.
• Maintain Soil pH between 5.8-6.5; do not allow the soil to become alkaline.
• Check mowing heights and keep blades sharp.
• Be vigilant and treat the disease early to prevent severe attacks. Treat with approved fungicides.
• Reduce shade.

Other autumn tasks

The months of October and November are also an optimum time to get some deep aeration work done. This is especially so after the recent downpours we have been having. Soil profiles will have become saturated enabling us to aerate to a depth of around 250mm.  Most golf clubs usually spend time getting their fairways, approaches and greens aerated at this time of the year. Also, many sports turf contractors will be offering their services to community football and rugby clubs. For me, it is one of the most important tasks of the year. Having some deep aeration done will be beneficial in keeping these pitches playable during the winter months. The benefits of aeration can be read in a couple of my previous articles here and here. 

And finally, autumn sees one of the biggest tasks being undertaken by grounds professionals across all working environments - the job of clearing fallen leaves. 

October sees the start of this time consuming task and usually goes on until late November, depending on weather conditions. Usually a good couple of frosts and some stormy days will help trees loose there leaves more quickly. 

However, the task of clearing them up is still a time-consuming job. At least long gone are the days when you only had hand rakes to shift them. Back in the day when I was working in Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, in the late 1970s, we generally had all the staff of the park spending the morning raking up leaves. Today we are lucky to have the plethora of hand-held and tractor mounted leaf blowers and vacuums to help us carry out the job more efficiently.  

Doosan Bobcat has announced that its Ryan turf renovation equipment will rebrand as Bobcat in 2024.

Ryan equipment joined the Doosan Bobcat portfolio in 2020, following the acquisition of Bob-Cat Mowers and the Steiner and Ryan brands from Schiller Grounds Care. Ryan has produced turf renovation equipment for more than 75 years and features a product line-up including aerators, sod cutters, dethatchers, power rakes, overseeders and other speciality products that serve landscaping and groundscare professionals.

Bobcat say that following their success in new product lines such as mowers, compact tractors and grounds maintenance equipment, they have streamlined its branding approach to "strengthen overall brand equity, market recognition and consumer recall of all product offerings."

Earlier this year, Doosan Bobcat announced its Doosan Industrial Vehicle and Doosan Portable Power brands would transition into the Bobcat product portfolio in Europe, Middle East, Africa and applicable markets worldwide in 2024.

With this refreshed identity, Ryan products will undergo design and aesthetic changes in alignment with current Bobcat branding says the manufacturer. The turf renovation equipment is produced at the Doosan Bobcat manufacturing facility in Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, USA, and will continue to be manufactured there following the brand transition.

Bobcat-branded Ryan equipment is expected to be available for customer purchase through Doosan Bobcat’s global dealer network in 2024.

Campey Turf Care Systems is planning a UK Road Tour in 2024 and say that SALTEX will provide the platform for customers and dealers to register interest in attending a demo day in their area. 

  
For many years Campey say they have taken a huge number of machines across the water for various educational and sales tours throughout Europe. Most recently was an eight-country demonstration tour visiting 14 venues to provide customer support and training.
 
Now it is the turn of the UK. The key to the success of all the events is working with turf professionals to solve issues specific to their sport and conditions. For Campey director, Lee Morgado, this is the primary purpose of the in-person demos.
 
“Giving people detailed advice on issues specific to them is priceless, and the impact of it really can’t be overestimated,” Lee said. “The challenges groundsmen and greenkeepers face in the UK can vary considerably, so to have the opportunity to talk through those issues can make a difference for them and us because we can learn and adapt from it.”
 
So, for this reason, Campey has chosen SALTEX this year, not only to exhibit a selection of their range of equipment, but to engage with industry professionals on the stand to discuss when and where Campey may be visiting their region. Also, to invite anyone who would like to take part in the tour, and wishes to use their own venue, to talk to their area manager or anyone in the team before the final list is drawn up.
 
Anyone who registers and attends any of the road shows will have their name automatically put into a raffle to be held at each venue. The top prize is a visit to the Imants and Vredo head offices in Holland with a tour of the factory, followed by traditional Dutch hospitality. 

ICL has announced the appointment of Lewis Blois to the role of business development manager - Landscape & Industrial for the UK & Ireland.

Lewis Blois

With over 15 years of experience in UK and Ireland amenity sector, Lewis' journey started with Agrovista Amenity. He subsequently joined ICL in 2010 as a technical area sales manager within the T&L business. Lewis eventually ascended to the key account manager role.

Lewis then joined Bayer Environmental Science as the key account manager for Industrial Vegetation Management (IVM) and Rail, where he played a crucial part in launching and managing brands including Roundup, Ecoplug Max, and Valdor Flex/Lockstar. His responsibilities also extended to managing key amenity distributors in IVM and Turf.

Before rejoining ICL, Lewis built on his expertise at Barenbrug as the technical and product manager for their Amenity business.

On his appointment, Lewis expressed, "I am delighted to re-join the ICL team. My vision is to bolster the success of the Industrial and Landscape business, ensuring ICL remains the top choice for customers in these areas."

The STIHL Fully Charged Roadshow will return this October, giving professional users an exclusive opportunity to get hands on with STIHL’s AP battery-powered tool system, designed to meet the varying needs of large fleet users, such as councils and major landscaping contractors. 

In addition to access to the latest STIHL cordless tools, professional users will also be able to meet STIHL’s team of trained experts at the national event, who will be on hand to offer advice and highlight the benefits cordless technology can offer. 

Although petrol powered equipment continues to be popular, the advancement of cordless technology means professional users now have a genuine alternative option to petrol tools. Offering exceptional performance, long battery life, lower running costs, ease of maintenance and use, quiet operation, reduced vibration and carbon footprint reduction, cordless technology offers professionals users more options than ever before.

Simon Hewitt, Head of Marketing at STIHL GB, commented: “More and more professional users are moving towards battery technology, so this national event allows us to not only highlight STIHL’s extensive range of professional tools and how they can meet the requirements of the most demanding applications, but also provide our network of Approved Dealers with the opportunity to grow their cordless business amongst customers.” 

The extensive STIHL AP system comprises over 40 tools together with a vast array of attachments, accessories and battery options, all suited to the most demanding professional tasks.

STIHL is keen to involve Approved Dealers with connections to large end users in all the Fully Charged Roadshows. For more information, dealers are encouraged to contact their STIHL sales manager. 

For more information on STIHL’s range of professional cordless tools, please visit www.stihl.co.uk.

The STIHL Fully Charged Roadshow will be visiting the following locations during October: 

1. Tuesday 10 October - Preston
Myerscough College, Preston, PR3 0RY

2. Wednesday 11 October - Shropshire
Harper Adam, Shropshire, TF10 8NB

3. Thursday 12 October - Melton Mowbray
Melton College, Melton Mowbray, LE13 0HJ

4. Monday 16 October - Gloucestershire 
Westonbirt Arboretum, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS

5. Tuesday 17 October - Devon
Bicton College, Devon, EX9 7BY

6. Wednesday 18 October - Winchester
Sparsholt College, Winchester, SO21 2NF

7. Thursday 19 October - Chelmsford
Writtle College, Chelmsford, CM1 3RR

DISGUSTING VANDALISM

GROUNDSFEST KICKS OFF

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE - PART II
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

THE VALUE OF LOCAL COMMUNITY CLUBS

BUSY SHOW SEASON UPON US

WATCH OUT FOR AUTUMN DISEASES

REFLECTIONS ON CHANGES IN THE MARKETPLACE
by guest editor, Ian 'Poggy' Pogson

HEDGE CUTTING SEASON

AERATION IS KEY

RAIN STOPPED PLAY

EDUCATION IN SPORTS TURF

by guest editor, David Roberts

SPORTING (SURFACES) PROWESS

WATER SHORTAGES

CRICKET ON THE UP

MY TOP FIVE CONCERNS

by guest editor, Andrew Turnbull 

BIODIVERSITY IN PARKS

DROUGHT CONDITIONS PREVAIL

MAY BE BUSY

A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
by guest editor Angus Macleod

TURF HARVEST FESTIVAL

FEEDING TIME

TIME TO GET TOUGH

STAY CURIOUS!
by guest editor, Alex Vickers

A TRANSISTIONAL MONTH

SPRING IS UPON US

HEDGE YOUR BETS

PEOPLE'S PARKS, PUBLIC PARKS - IN PERIL?

by guest editor, Paul Rabbits

TESTING TIMES AHEAD

ROBOTIC POTENTIAL

CHANGEOVER TIME

WE MUST DEVELOP OUR OWN STAFF

by guest editor, Karl McDermott

DOUBLE CENTURY CELEBRATED

OUR PARKS IN CRISIS

AN OUTSTANDING SUCCESS

OPTIMISM RETURNING
By Guest Editor, Roy Rigby

WATERLOGGING ISSUES

NEW YEAR, NEW FEATURES

View all of 2022's blogs here

View all of 2021's blogs here

View all of 2020's blogs here

View all of 2019's blogs here

View all of 2018's blogs here

CONCERN FOR PARKS FOLLOWING COUNCIL BANKRUPTCIES
What does the future hold?

TAKING A GLOBAL LOOK AT SUSTAINABILITY
Is the rest of the world also driving towards sustainable practice?

RENOVATIONS, PLAY AND THANKS
On my mind this week

SUSTAINABILITY – IMPLICATIONS FOR TRAINING & EDUCATION
Set to play a crucial role going forward

TULIP TREE
Liriodendron tulipifera

LYDIA BROOM
Genista lydia

THE LAWN AND ITS VALUE
Changing attitudes

GIANT HOGWEED
Invasive and potentially harmful

LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS & SUSTAINABILITY
Considering every stage of the journey

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY
The most important nutrient

BERBERIS THUNBERGII
A shrub that has stood the test of time

ENSURING FUTURE PROSPERITY
Advice imparted at road shows

INNOVATION & SUSTAINABILITY
A key focus

PHOTINA RED ROBIN
A sensational flowering shrub

VALUING THE GRASSROOTS
We must not overlook those who maintain these grounds

MANAGING WEEDS SUSTAINABLY
In amenity spaces

DETECTING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
In turf plants

SPRING RENOVATIONS UNDERWAY
A crucial period

SUSTAINABILITY IN SUPPLY
A focus on those who supply essential inputs to our sector

CHANGING CLIMATE
Is a borehole the key for clubs?

SUSTAINABILITY AT THE SHARP END
How to put into practice when budgets are tight?

ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF GRASSROOTS RUGBY
Clubs are struggling

SUSTAINABILITY IN PRACTICE
Seeking transparent and robust supply chains is essential

TIME FOR ACTION
To reverse recruitment crisis

CONTROLLING COSTS
Planning is crucial

THE SEARCH FOR SUSTAINABILITY
What exactly does the term mean?

CARING FOR THE GRASSROOTS
From volunteers to contractors

DEFRA IS LETTING DOWN THE COUNTRY
Complete failure to address the plastic grass debate

WE CAN ALL DO MORE
To aid biodiversity

MY LIFE IN GREENKEEPING
With Bruce Cruickshank

LEVELLING UP, GETTING SMARTER & GETTING AHEAD
Parks require so much more funding

SWITCHED ON FOR HARD WORK
Putting trimmers through their paces

MACHINERY HIGHLIGHTS
At this year's show

MY SALTEX
Daniel Lewis​, Manchester City Football Club

AWASH WITH LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Two months till showtime

LOOKING BACK, LOOKING FORWARD
Priorities for the amenity sector

THE DECLINE OF ‘PARKITECTURE’
A symptom of the state of parks in 2022

DEVELOPERS SHIRKING GREEN SPACE RESPONSIBILITIES
Lack of financial commitment

TIME TO COME TOGETHER
For the good of the industry

THE DEATH OF GRASS ROOTS CRICKET
Gathering apace?

ROUTES INTO THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ENSURED
Q&A with David Fisher, Lantra’s head of industry partnerships

STRONG VIEWS ON CRICKET PITCH PERFORMANCE MARKING
A bone of contention

A PREMIUM PRODUCT
Delivered at Naas Golf Club

THE GREEN REVOLUTION
And Esker Hills

MAKING A CHANGE
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Links

A DAY AT THE RACES
Naas Race Course

WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE VOICE
How the industry needs to proceed

OVER 175 YEARS OF EDUCATION
Wesley College

ELECTRIC EXCITEMENT
Dennis's Ian Howard talks electrification

THE HOME OF CORK GAA
Páirc Uí Chaoimh

LONG POLE BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS TESTED
STIHL HLA 66 and HLA 86

OVER 800 YEARS OF HISTORY
Johnstown Castle and Gardens

A CLUB GONE WILD
Kilkenny Golf Club

A GOLF COURSE IN THE GARDEN OF IRELAND
Woodenbridge GC

80 YEARS YOUNG
Charleville Golf Club

AN UPLIFTING EXPERIENCE
Bunclody Golf & Fishing Club

GETTING BACK TOGETHER
Albeit gradually . .

GO WEST
Inishturk GAA pitch – one of the most westerly sportspitches in Europe

WORKING ON A TIGHT BUDGET
Nenagh Golf Club

ON A MISSION
Wrekin Golf Club aiming to enrich wildlife and fauna

WILD AND WONDERFUL
Design By Nature

LEARNING HOW TO SURVIVE
Abbey Par 3

TACKLING OBESITY
Vital that schools can provide sport

A LIFETIME OF LEARNING
Vital for turf professionals

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS
Tullamore Golf Club

UNIVERSITY CHALLENGES
At Trinity College Dublin

BLENDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW
Bray Golf Club

A WELL POLISHED COURSE!
Ierne Social And Sports Club

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE VALUES
Of grounds maintenance

THE INDUSTRY WILL CHANGE & ADAPT
But it will survive

WIRRAL GOLF COURSES SAVED
Renewed hope and optimism for the future

GREEN SPACE CONTRIBUTION TO WELLBEING IS UNDERVALUED
Parks invisible on national agenda

A SHINING LIGHT IN IRELAND'S SUNNY SOUTHEAST
Wexford Golf Club

GREEN SPACES DO NOT LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES!
Keith Kent says we must invest in people

WE SHOULD TELL THE WORLD ABOUT THE UK INDUSTRY
Right time for all sides to come together

SOIL LIFE IS PRECIOUS
Good-quality soil can help save the planet

MORE THAN JUST CUTTING GRASS
Encouraging the next generation

A BUZZ FROM DOING THE JOB
Wide experience of the turf grass industry

PAYING THEIR WAY
Low wages is the bane of the industry

AMENITY MANAGEMENT IMPACTS US ALL
Professor John Moverley

CARING FOR PARKS OF ALL TYPES
Mary Worrall

TOP FIVE FRUSTRATIONS FOR CRICKET GROUNDSMEN
What causes you the most frustration in your role?

PROFESSIONALS AT THE CUTTING EDGE
Vic Demain and Phil Sharples

BOWLS CLUBS IN PERIL
A sad decline

A VERY SPECIAL INDUSTRY
Loz looks back

SNEAK PEAK AT A ROBOTIC "GAME CHANGER"
Commercial model capable of covering 50,000 m2 teased

HALESOWEN PICK A BIG ROBOT UP FRONT
Invest in mowers

COMPRESSED AERATION
The new way

PARKS MATTER MORE THAN EVER
Recent sector developments

ON TEST
STIHL blowers

THREE CORE VALUES TO SHAPE OUR INDUSTRY
Real concerns for the future

ENGLAND'S GREEN SPACE GAP
A split along racial lines

ON TEST
EGO STX3800 strimmer with RTX2300 Rotocut head

A SECTOR FACING IMPORTANT TIMES
Review of the National Action Plan

PARKS MATTER
The role of public parks in the recovery: a discussion paper

A UNIQUE SPORTING VENUE
Wormsley private estate

A BTME OUTDOORS?
A good bet for the industry

PARKS NEED APPROPRIATE POLITICAL REPRESENTATION
Q&A with Philippa Reece, Parks and Foreshore Manager at Adur and Worthing Council

CRICKET LOAM
What does it mean?

A HERCULEAN EFFORT TO GET PARKS BACK TO NORMAL
Q&A with Chris Worman, Rugby Borough Council’s parks and ground manager

ON TEST
STIHL battery products

TURFGRASS STRESS MANAGEMENT
Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and antioxidants during biotic and abiotic stress in turfgrass plants

AUTUMN DISEASE MANAGEMENT
The coming months are going to prove very difficult

THE ABUSE OF PARKS . .
Is the abuse of society

WHY PARKS MATTER?
A statement from the Parks Management Forum to the Prime Minister

THE 21st CENTURY PARKS MANAGER
Innovative, creative and entrepreneurial

EAT, SLEEP, CUT, REPEAT!
Cricket under covid

TIME FOR A SINGLE SHOW?
Debate brought back into focus

A CHALLENGING TWO MONTHS
Running golf design projects from home

PRESSURE SITUATION
Cementing the reputation

A CLUB TO BE PROUD OF
10 years at the helm of Olton GC

GAME CHANGERS IN TURFCARE
The day the Lord's outfield reconstruction proved its worth

THE ESSENCE OF ESSENTIAL
Finding a sensible way forward on defining "essential maintenance"

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS
2001

HOW TO LOOK AFTER A GOLF COURSE WITH NO GOLFERS
Fundamental to the survival of almost all courses, if not of the game itself

RAIN STOPPED PLAY WOULD BE WELCOME
. . along with ‘lunch is being taken early’

PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TURFGRASS PESTS
An urgent problem

A DIVERSE & ENTERTAINING WEEK
Successful BTME 2020

INTEGRATED PEST CONTROL
Opportunity to embrace new methods

ENVILLE ON THE UP
Major investments taking place

GREEN FLAG AWARDS 2019
A great success

U.S PROFESSIONAL EQUIPMENT SHOW EXCELS
Buoyant GIE+EXPO

LEGACY OF THE SOLHEIM CUP
At Gleneagles

A DAY OUT WITH THE LADIES
Behind the scenes at the Solheim Cup

COVENTRY UNIVERSITY'S EDIBLE GARDEN SUCCESS
2006 - present

HAIL THE GRASS MASTERS!
Boorish media comments about pitch quality are wide of the mark

CONTRACTOR SEES MULTI-DISCIPLINE SUCCESS
360 Ground Care serving professional facilities

BUSY TIMES
Judging the Green Flag Awards

TAKING AN INTEGRATED APPROACH
What does it all mean in managing turf surfaces?

UNDER PRESSURE
Dry weather conditions continue to keep turf managers focused on moisture management

EDDIE SEAWARD
Death of Wimbledon’s influential grounds manager

MAJOR NEW IRRIGATION PROJECT
At Top 100 classic Berkhamsted Golf Club

NEW HORIZONS FOR THE HATTERS
Investment paying off at Kenilworth Road

ELIZABETHAN RESTORATION
At Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

WHAT IS BIOPHILIA?
The vital impact of parks and green spaces on health and well-being

WORM CONTROL
Without carbendazim

THE TRUE COST OF PETROL
Battery-powered outdoor power tools are now turning the heads of professionals

SANDS OF TIME
Sand-based pitches are now the norm in professional sports

WHY DO WE DO THE RIGHT THING?
We must maintain industry standards

CHASING GRASS PERFECTION?
11 things you need to know . . .

MAINTAINING STANDARDS
Q&A with BASIS ceo, Stephen Jacobs

STRI RESEARCH DAY 2018
Hosted at research trial grounds in Bingley

THE MECHANIC
Leicester City FC invest in new role

LORD'S 'GRASS-GUVNOR' TO RETIRE
Mick Hunt bows out after 49 years

HOLLOW CORING & DEEP SCARIFICATION
Is it really necessary?

In the first of this series of articles, we sought to get a clearer definition of what sustainability is and what it means to an organisation, especially in the amenity horticulture sector. Sustainability comprises three pillars or components namely economic viability, environmental protection and social equity. The definition of these is important when any organisation seeks to become more sustainable, or indeed seeks to deliver more sustainable products and services to its customers. The remaining articles on this subject will now look more closely at various sub sectors of, and activities in amenity, and those providing services to them which hopefully will help all readers in their own search for sustainability.

Previously we considered Sustainability In Practice, Sustainability At The Sharp End, Sustainability In Supply, Managing Weeds Sustainably, Innovation & Sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis and Sustainability, Implications for Training & Education and Taking A Global Look At Sustainability.

This month we consider the UK National Action Plan for sustainable weed, pest and disease management and how it impacts on practice in the amenity sector here in the UK.

Across the four nations of the UK, although there are a range of policy documents applying as to the use of pesticides and weed, pest and disease management generally, the basic principles are the same and all seek to implement the legislative and voluntary measures embodied in the current UK National Action Plan. This plan was first established in 2013, when we were still members of the EU, and was in response to the European Directive on the Sustainable Use of Plant Protection Products. Each EU country was required to produce such plans for implementation in their own nations. On the UK leaving the EU, the National Action Plan (NAP) remains the core document although a review process started in the UK some 2 years ago and, whilst much delayed, a new UK plan is expected by the end of this year. 

 
A previous article considered some of the implications of the current NAP in terms of amenity practice. This article though focusses on issues arising from the extensive consultations leading to the soon to be released new NAP and the core issues and challenges that are likely to arise. The overriding stated aims of the revised NAP will be to continue to increase uptake of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and sustainable crop protection, in line with Defra’s 25 Year Environment Plan, the Welsh Minister’s Natural Resources Policy, The Environment Strategy for Scotland, and the goals of the Environment Strategy for Northern Ireland, to protect and enhance the environment for future generations. In the amenity sector this translates into key aims of an integrated approach to weed, pest and disease management and both implementing and demonstrating sustainable practice.

 
There are five core areas that have formed the consultation on the new NAP. These are as follows:

• Reducing our reliance on plant protection product use
• Protecting peoples’ health
• Environmental protection
• Best practice & training
• Monitoring use and impact of plant protection products

They fit within key government priorities, whether national or UK wide, as given below although the emphasis within each nation can vary.

• Using public money for public goods
• Increasing environmental protection
• Promoting sustainable practice
• Carbon footprint reduction
• Continuing to prioritise health & safety
• Increased productivity

The thinking in terms of the new revised UK national action planning has five stated key areas, namely, ensuring robust regulation to protect health and the environment, supporting the development and uptake of Integrated Management approaches, ensure those who use PPPs do so safely and sustainably, setting targets to support reduction of risks and improving statistics and indicators and ensuring effective work with others to deliver the NAP goals.

So let us look now briefly at each of these five areas of the NAP and what they mean.

Ensure robust regulation

A stand out message, emphasised in the consultations leading up to the new NAP, are that the UK governments will work within, and develop, our existing regulatory framework to make the system simpler for users, while maintaining levels of protection for health and the environment. They will support the development of the knowledge needed to ensure that regulation of pesticides across the UK promotes positive innovation and change and they will review operation of regulation for bio-pesticides, to encourage greater uptake of these within integrated management (IPM) approaches. 

Support the development and uptake of integrated management (IPM)

The key messages here are that they will work with stakeholders to ensure all pesticide users will have access to the information and support they need to integrate IPM approaches fully within their respective systems, so that pesticides are used sustainably, as part of a targeted and integrated control system. Furthermore, they will support the development of IPM approaches which provide maximum opportunity to protect or enhance the environment whilst being fit for purpose.

Integrated approaches are core to all thinking in terms of weed, pest and disease management and a key objective in terms of seeking more sustainable practice.

 
Ensure those that use pesticides do so safely and sustainably

The core objectives here are that they will look to enhance the system of enforcement for pesticides, with more frequent checks on selected businesses to ensure compliance. They will ensure that individuals are prevented from purchasing pesticides authorised for professional use where the end user does not have appropriate training and certification, and will consider implementing legislation to introduce increased requirements at the point of sale if necessary. They will make sure that pesticides classed for use by professionals continue to be used correctly so that risks to the environment are minimised and risks to human health are avoided. They will work with partners to promote clear messages for amateur users to encourage non-chemical alternatives, wherever possible, and will provide improved advice on safe usage and disposal. 

Changes have already been made within this area. The recent implementation of OCR regulations requiring all sellers and users of plant protection products (PPPs) to register their stores and types of plant protection product use by law is an example. There has also been increased resource provided to HSE to allow more on-site inspections. All those not registered or not meeting standards face legal consequences.

Set targets to support reduction of risks and improve statistics and indicators

The commitment here is to establish a set of clear targets to support the reduction of risk associated with pesticide use, ensure pesticide policy helps to deliver existing commitments on biodiversity and water and to develop improved metrics for IPM uptake and updated environmental indicators for pesticides providing a suitable baseline against which to establish appropriate reduction targets. Such an approach is already in place for fertilisers leading to restrictions on use.

Ensure effective work with others to deliver the NAP goals

In essence this advocates a joint industry wide approach to implement more sustainable policies both in the use of PPPs and in the practices generally of weed, pest and disease management. Within the amenity sector, the Amenity Forum acts as the voluntary initiative promoting best and sustainable practice. It is vital that this body, along with relevant trade organisations, are supported. The industry and sector must stand together and ensure standards are met and, more importantly, implemented in the best possible way.

Of course, until the full new NAP is finally published, the detail still remains largely unknown but the key principles are clear from the statements above. Those operating and managing in the sector are likely to face more controls seeking to minimise their use of PPPs, move them towards integrated planning in terms of weed, pest and diseases and requiring them to demonstrate sustainable practice. It is very important that all users and all involved in amenity management keep fully up to date with changes.

Many amenity organisations already are implementing many aspects of sustainable practice but are not always aware of it. To pre-empt likely future challenges, organisations may wish to undertake audits of current practice, particularly related to sustainability, and certainly review all current practices in terms of acquiring, storing, using and disposal of any plant protection products used. Being able to demonstrate a fully integrated approach to any weed, pest and disease issues is another important factor. Have all methods of control been fully considered and each situation assessed in terms of what objective is being sought? A previous article in this series looked at the stages of integrated management planning and provided an important template for use.

Undoubtedly, we are in a time of challenge and change, and certainly uncertainty in terms of political direction. However the drivers towards sustainable practice will not change, albeit time scales and levers for their implementation may do so. Being prepared, pro-active rather than reactive, is certainly the best policy. Well managed amenity and sports locations have nothing to fear provided they are responsive and ensure all is done to meet the policy objectives underlying the implementation of the UK National Action Plan. Key to this is demonstrating sustainable practice.

‘’Change is good. It is also often hard. But to succeed in business, you must run toward it, as when you are finished changing, you are finished,’’ Ben Franklin.

The penultimate article in this particular series will summarise discussions with some key influencers across the various sub sectors of amenity on what sustainable practice means to them and their organisations. The final article in December will seek to summarise all the key issues raised in the series and suggest a template for implementing sustainable practice for use by amenity and sports organisations.