Landscape
Amenity PRODUCT UPDATE
JUNE 2016
Sweepers , Collectors, Blowers & Vacs
Weeds & Pest Control
2 and 4-Wheel Tractors
Showcase on the best products
A round-up of the latest solutions
Jane Carley spotlights the industry workhorses
Page 14-15
Page 26-29
Page 30-34
UK’s first national college for land based sector launched A new national college for those pursuing land based careers has been launched to meet the needs of a swiftly changing and increasingly demanding sector. The National Land Based College [NLBC] will create a hub for leading colleges, universities and industry experts to collaborate on dynamic new courses tailored for, and responsive to, this vital part of the UK economy. Courses will be delivered through the UK’s specialist land based colleges, a new online platform and by industry experts in their workplaces – blended learning that will balance theory with practical skills training. In partnership with the awarding body, City and Guilds, NLBC will set new industry-approved standards of excellence, offering
clear career pathways and opportunities for advancement. Qualifications will range from foundation-level courses up to full degrees, and will also include a raft of continuing professional development [CPD] options. Leigh Morris, CEO of NLBC, explained: “Working for the first time at a coordinated national level we can build a pool of resources drawn from the very best minds in education and industry. “Collaboratively we will promote land based careers, raise the standard of college courses and create cutting edge training for those already employed. So doing, we will meet the skills needs of the sector today and into the future.”
NLBC’s broad remit covers a vast range of careers, from agriculture and gamekeeping to equine studies and landscaping. It will provide blended learning using the ‘hub and spoke’ model – a small central team will form the strategic focal point and run a virtual college providing online teaching; landbased colleges and industry workplaces will be the spokes, delivering face-to-face and practical training. The NLBC hub will actively promote land based careers in collaboration with organisations such as Bright Grow and Grow Careers, and will work to attract the very best people into the sector. Its online platform will also function as a portal,
linking to diverse land based organisations and a CPD register for graduates. NLBC has a board of 21 directors, ten principals from UK land based colleges and universities, ten from industry leaders, and Lord Curry. It is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. Seed funding has been provided by Landex member colleges, Landex, and City and Guilds who contributed £250,000 from their National Proficiency Test Council fund. NLBC will receive a percentage payment for all City and Guilds land based qualifi cations endorsed by the college. NLBC Enquiry 1
Grant for research Först signs key deal with Orange Plant into parks and health A team led by the University of Sheffield’s Department of Landscape has been awarded £1.3m by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) to research park use in the city and its impact on health. The three-year study will compare behaviour in different neighbourhoods and ask whether the quantity and quality of available green space correlates with health. It will also seek to identify the most important factors in a healthy green space – design, location, biodiversity, or other features – and measure their cost effectiveness.
The researchers also plan to develop a smartphone app that will monitor how factors such as age, money, culture and class influence how people use their local green spaces. Project leader Dr Anna Jorgensen said: “We aim to understand the cultures and values that influence how people of different ages and backgrounds interact with the natural environment as well as find out more about which aspects of the natural environment are beneficial for health and wellbeing. The aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of city residents through well designed green spaces.” NERC
Enquiry 2
Först, a brand of Redwood Global, has joined forces with Orange Plant in a strategic partnership that will see the arboricultural sales and hire specialist supply high performance wood chippers across the North of England.
The deal now means that Orange Plant is the regional distributor for Först machinery at its branches in Newcastle upon Tyne, Wetherby and Bromborough (Cheshire). Doug Ghinn, Director at Först, commented: “In order to enhance our coverage of the market and make the premium Först product and service available to tree surgeons and contractors right across the UK, we have signed an
exclusive partnership with Orange Plant for the sales, service and hire of Först equipment across the North of England.”
Joanna Chapman, Orange Plant’s Managing Director said the Först brand has made huge strides since it was launched three years ago. “The main reason for this is the quality and confidence Redwood Global has in the Forst brand, the company has developed and introduced a range of robust wood chippers that the industry is asking for, supported by a three year warranty that is very appealing,” she added. Först
READER ENQUIRY 4
Enquiry 3