Landscape & A m en it y
May 2023
w w w . l a n d s c a p e a n d a m e n i t y. c o m
Special Feature Professional Groundscare
Over 80% of local councils expect cuts in their parks budgets
This, despite the survey finding close to two-thirds of those surveyed are experiencing a growing number of visitors to their parks. The survey, conducted annually by the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and now in its thirteenth year, found that 83% of those surveyed said budget cuts have led to reduced levels of maintenance and increases in unmaintained land. The survey also found that almost three-quarters of respondents either agreed or agreed strongly that ‘the squeeze on public sector
resources is affecting parks and green spaces disproportionately to other service areas’. Of the local authorities surveyed: • Biodiversity is now identified as the main environmental priority for parks services at 96%, up from 89.8% in 2022. The second highest priority is litter control at 70%. • 71% expect training budgets to stay the same in the next 12 months – only 5% reported increases. • 43% of respondents said they currently have apprenticeship schemes – An 18% drop since 2022 (61%). • The number of respondents receiving income ‘through friends of parks groups’ shows a significant decrease to 37% as opposed to 51% in 2022, which may
be a reflection that some Friends Groups have not fully become fully active after the pandemic. Speaking about the fi ndings, Mo Baines, APSE Chief Executive, said: “As our roads become congested and financial constraints in the home mean people are more in need of free access to pleasant and accessible greenspaces, the demand from the public for access to greenspaces continues to grow louder. “However, APSE’s survey makes clear there is a real belief amongst parks professionals that service quality may start to be seriously affected because of the ongoing pressures on budgets, changes to maintenance frequencies and a need for investment, particularly as visitor
Hard & Soft Landscaping & Pedestrianisation The latest news and case studies Pages 9-10
numbers are remaining high and, in many cases, increasing. What the survey also shows is that local authorities are successfully introducing new and innovative ways to sustainably manage parks. Whether this be through income generation, partnerships or alternative forms of funding, the most recent being the opportunities which may arise from Biodiversity Net Gain. It is
hoped that central governments and other stakeholders will, in recognition of this innovation and best practice, provide the necessary support for local authorities and their parks managers in developing a sustainable future for the UK’s parks and the multitude of benefits they bring.” APSE
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Clothing and gear to keep you safe and comfortable
EGO builds on Z6 success with range expansion Following the global success of the world’s first battery-powered zero-turn ride-on mower, EGO Power Plus is expanding its range with the introduction of two new ride-on mowers. Ideal for homeowners with large plots of land, both mowers – the ZT4200E-S and the ZT5200E-L – build upon the accomplishments of the original Z6 (ZT4201E-L).
Vince Brauns, Group Product Manager at EGO, said: “We are so delighted with the success of our first zero-turn ride-on mower that we are now introducing two more to the range. While the two mowers share many of the same features as the first Z6, including the option of three driving modes and versatile blade speeds, we wanted to ensure that the range
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was more accessible to a wider demographic of homeowners. “By introducing a steering wheel model, we are opening up the zero-turn ride-on platform to users who would prefer that mechanism to a lap bar. “As well as performance and accessibility we have also added some useful usability features such as putting the battery level gauge in a better line of sight and improved comfort through an air-ride seat, USB connection, and cruise control for those who need to dedicate a good few hours tending to their lawn.” EGO
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ATVs, UTVs & Work Trucks The latest vehicles and machines on the market Pages 28-29
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Standout features including EGO’s Peak Power™ technology, intuitive screen, and three versatile driving modes remain on the new models whilst fresh features have also been introduced.
One of the new models – the ZT4200E-S – drives like a car and turns like a zero-turn ride-on mower with its innovative steering wheel system whilst the other – the ZT5200E-L – offers a considerably larger three-blade option with a 312cm fabricated cutting deck.
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01473 328272 • sales@schsupplies.co.uk
A new survey on the state of local authority parks and greenspace services finds 85% of those surveyed are expecting budgets cuts of at least 5%, with almost 30% expecting cuts of over 15%.
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