Landscape & A m en it y
May 2024
www.landscapeandamenity.com
Special Feature Professional Groundscare supplement
Guide for councils to deliver a healthier future for plants and trees APSE has launched a new report, outlining the various measures, resources, and strategies local authorities can employ to deal with biosecurity issues.
authorities across the UK, as well as the levels of implementation of biosecurity measures, and the awareness of UK-wide biosecurity issues.
measures, but they must be done in a managed way with the right resources, including sufficient management and maintenance budgets.”
As UK local councils strive to plant more trees in response to Climate Change, alongside developing greener local parks and public realm, APSE, (Association for Public Service Excellence) wanted to explore the state of preparedness of local councils when it comes to biosecurity threats.
The survey found that just over one-third of respondents were aware of the UK Plant Biosecurity Strategy (2023-2028), which is a collaboration between DEFRA and the devolved administrations. Furthermore, just 10% of respondents had a specific biosecurity policy, although more encouragingly 58% said they considered biosecurity issues.
Baines added: “In addition to the rather stark findings of our survey work, this report opens a lens into the real threats of reducing parks and greenspace budgets. Dealing with biosecurity threats from tree and plant diseases and non-native invasive species will be essential if local councils and local communities are to reap the rewards of increasing tree cover and enhancing a greener public realm.”
Biosecurity threats can come in many forms. Perhaps the most well-known threat, and one which local authority parks and woodlands services are already grappling with are diseases such as Dutch Elm Disease and Ash Dieback. To support local councils APSE conducted a survey to ascertain the key diseases, pests and invasive non-native species that are most affecting local
Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive said: “Our member local councils face an array of challenges. Climate change and the ecological emergency declarations made by many UK councils have quite rightly led to a greater focus on the local environment, including treeplanting schemes, enhancements to green spaces and parks and the introduction of new plant species. These are clearly welcome
Matt Ellis, APSE Principal Advisor for parks and greenspaces said: “Our latest report is a must-read for local parks professionals and should also be of grave concern to local councillors in setting their parks and public realm policies. Greater awareness of biosecurity measures and awareness of ways in which those threats
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can be reduced should be at the fore of parks and public realm management and operations. I commend this report to them.” APSE will continue to support the work of DEFRA and the
Plant Biosecurity Strategy by raising awareness and practical measures with its member local councils. APSE
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Pro X series unveiled by EGO Power Plus EGO Power Plus, is launching a new product range aimed at landscaping and groundscare professionals. Designed to meet more heavyduty demands, the Pro X range features pioneering battery charging technology and six new tools including a mower, chainsaw, hedge trimmers and grass trimmers. Chris Buck, Product Manager at EGO, said: “Our new Pro X range ensures heavy commercial contractors and local authority workers have the tools they need to tackle the toughest tasks. These applications require robust and powerful outdoor power equipment, combined with a trailblazing battery charging solution.”
Launching later this year is EGO’s new commercial charging system, giving professional groundscare, gardening and landscaping teams the power they need to do a full day’s work without running out of charge. The PGX Professional Charging system is a flexible charging solution that scales to meet the specific needs of any business. The system is powered by the PGX1600E-H 1600W Charging Hub, which runs off any standard electrical outlet, meaning no electrical infrastructure upgrade is required. A modular system, PGX allows for each user to adapt it to their specific power needs. The PGX1600H Hub connects to any combination of up to
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30 PGX3000D 3-Port Docks, or PGX1400PB Power Banks (available separately), to provide charging power to 90 battery ports. The system manages charging intelligently, meaning all batteries can be charged without the need for manual intervention. The charging power means that the PGX system can effectively charge up to 70 EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries, or up to 250Ah of battery capacity overnight (in 12hrs). “The Pro X range is specifically designed to stand up to the rigours of heavy-duty use,” added Chris Buck. “This means there is no longer any excuse to use petrol over battery power and the many benefits it brings.” EGO Power Plus Enquiry 2
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ATVs, UTVs & Work Trucks new vehicles for diverse tasks Pages 25