Landscape & Ameni t y w w w. l a n d s c a p e a n d a m e n i t y. co m
May 2026 Special Feature Professional Groundscare
MPs call for new focus and funding to get nation moving more A renewed commitment to PE in schools, ending the 3pm Saturday blackout for women’s football and the removal of unnecessary ‘No Ball Games’ signs are among the recommendations in a new report from MPs aimed at getting people to move more.
significant savings in the health and welfare budgets. With the UK lagging behind the average of other European countries, the report recommends that the Government increases the
0.3% share of total government expenditure on sport and recreation to at least 0.6% over the next ten years. On top of pressing for a new approach by Government and an increase in spending, the
report makes a series of practical recommendations aimed at increasing participation and boosting activity levels for people of all ages. Chair of the CMS Committee, Dame Caroline Dinenage MP,
The calls for action are included in the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s wide-ranging Game On report, after a more than yearlong inquiry discovered a patchy picture of how well community and school sport is meeting the needs of people in England.
“While the Government has a major part to play in coordinating policy and committing to spending, our report sets out steps big and small, from ensuring access to for people of all ages to sports like bowls, pickleball and padel through social prescribing to waging a war on No Ball Games signs, that could make a genuine difference to participation.”
The report outlines how strong demand, committed volunteers and successful local initiatives exist alongside persistent financial pressures, limited facilities and a lack of prioritisation in the school curriculum.
Further recommendations include those aimed at lightening the administrative burden on volunteers and introducing greater planning protections for playing fields and sporting facilities.
Calling for a decisive national commitment to stable funding, better facilities and a crossgovernment strategy to deliver a healthier nation, the Committee argues that investing in sport delivers social and economic benefits that will lead to
DCMS Enquiry 1
Developed in response to the well-documented pressures faced by greenkeepers and turf professionals, the programme delivers accredited training designed to equip members with the skills to recognise and respond to mental health challenges in themselves and others.
Long hours, seasonal demands, and often isolated working environments mean those employed in turf management can be at increased risk. BIGGA CEO Jim Croxton said the support would play a key role in strengthening an already important area of the association’s work. “Through this programme, we are providing practical, accredited training that gives people the confidence to recognise when something is
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Hard & Soft Landscaping
Taking a look at the latest from the urban environment Pages 6-11
Support for BIGGA’s Mental Health First Aid Programme The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is proud to announce Baroness UK and Kubota (UK) Ltd as headline sponsors of its Mental Health First Aid Programme (MHFAP).
said: “We’re a country of sport lovers when it comes to supporting our stars at home and abroad, but there are too many barriers stopping people from getting up and giving it a go themselves at school and clubs in our communities. What we need is a national shift in the way we think about sport and a commitment at all levels to deliver a healthy and more active nation.
wrong and to step in with the right support at the right time,” he said. “The backing of Baroness and Kubota allows us to extend that support further, ensuring more members across our regions can access this training and help us build a stronger, more connected network of Mental Health First Aiders within the industry. This will make the industry a better place for all.”
ATVS, UTVs & Work Trucks New vehicles and solutions for a range of tasks Page 28
BIGGA Enquiry 2
READER ENQUIRY 3