Landscape & A m en it y
April 2026 Special Feature Best of British
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Industry bodies agree on a new landscaping standard Leading landscape and garden design organisations have come together to agree a coordinated, industry-wide approach to supporting the implementation of the new British Standard BS 7533-102, following a meeting hosted by the Horticultural Trades Association (HTA). Representatives from the HTA’s Association of Professional Landscapers (APL), the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI), the Landscape Institute (LI) and the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD) met at Horticulture House to discuss how the industry can work together to help members, educators and the wider landscape sector understand and adopt the Standard effectively. Launched in March 2025, BS 7533-102 represents a significant milestone for landscape and garden construction. For the first time, the Standard includes traffic categories 1-3, making it directly applicable to areas such as pathways, patios, residential driveways, and parking bays, covering a wide range of settings, from domestic gardens to extensive networks delivered and
maintained by local authorities, highways, and public spaces. The Standard provides a clear benchmark for fit-for-purpose installation and construction, helping to define best practice across the sector. While not a legal requirement, it may be used as a reference point in the event of disputes, highlighting its importance in protecting clients and supporting high-quality professional practice.
strengthen professionalism and build lasting confidence in the value of quality landscaping.” Tracy Whitfield, Technical & Research Manager for the Landscape Institute, said:
“The Landscape Institute is proud to be part of this collaborative approach, giving the landscape industry a clear, shared benchmark for quality and practical guidance to raise standards across the sector.
“By working together, we’re enabling professionals to deliver beautiful, consistent and well-built spaces, supporting low-impact sustainable practices that last.” Landscape Institute Enquiry 1
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Wayne Grills, Chief Executive of BALI, said: “This is a landmark moment for the industry, with leading bodies coming together to provide clarity and consistency across the sector. BALI is proud to have supported the development and implementation of BS 7533102, which closely reflects our long-standing commitment to upholding the highest industry standards of workmanship and fostering trust between landscape professionals and their clients.
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“Further collaboration across the industry will be vital to ensuring effective education and adoption, and this unified approach demonstrates our shared ambition to raise standards,
Sports Turf Maintenance
Winners of the 2026 GMA Industry Awards announced The winners of the 2026 GMA Industry Awards have been announced at a prestigious ceremony at Edgbaston Stadium.
are always a key highlight in our calendar. They give us the chance to celebrate the hard work that drives our industry forward.
The awards took place alongside the new GMA Conference, which ran throughout the day and brought the industry together for workshops and discussions.
“We received a record number of entries this year which shows real strength and pride across grounds management. I want to congratulate all our winners and thank them for the great work they do every day.”
Hosted by renowned broadcaster Kelly Somers, the awards celebrated the people and teams who show outstanding skill across the grounds management sector. The GMA Grounds Manager of the Year, sponsored by DLF Seeds, was Karl McDermott.
This year’s charity partner, MND Association, was at the heart of the evening, with guests generously donating to support its vital work in improving access to care, research and campaigning for people affected by motor neurone disease.
Geoff Webb, GMA CEO said: “The GMA Industry Awards
The GMA Enquiry 2
Jane Carley spotlights the solutions to top class surfaces Pages 16-22
Pedestrian & Remote Mowers The newest models and the innovations in professional mowing Pages 23-24
The end of manned mowing Introducing Kress Voyager - the unmanned mower that travels with your crews. No more crew members stuck on a zero-turn all day. Let them do more. Let Kress Voyager handle the mowing. Speak to your local grounds maintenance machinery dealer today or learn more at kress.com READER ENQUIRY 3