Landscape & A m en it y
September 2025
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Special Feature Professional Groundscare Supplement
National Drought Group to address “nationally significant” water shortfall The National Drought Group has met with the current water shortfall situation in England now defined as a “nationally significant incident.” Five areas are officially in drought, with six more experiencing prolonged dry weather following the driest six months to July since 1976. Despite a period of the unsettled weather, many river flows and reservoir levels in England continued to recede compared to June. Rainstorms and showers helped mask the fact that July was still the fifth warmest on record. August saw a return of drier conditions and the fourth heatwave of the summer putting more pressure on already struggling public water supplies and navigational waterways. The National Drought Group used the meeting to highlight the water-saving measures each sector is taking. They also praised the public for reducing their own daily usage, with
Yorkshire Water reporting a 10% reduction in domestic demand following their hosepipe ban. This equates to saving up to 80 million litres per day – equivalent to 32 Olympicsized swimming pools.
Hard & Soft Landscaping
The less water that is used, the less needs to be abstracted from local rivers – therefore protecting the health of our waterways and wildlife. The Environment Agency’s Director of Water and NDG chair, Helen Wakeham said: “The current situation is nationally significant, and we are calling on everyone to play their part and help reduce the pressure on our water environment. “Water companies must continue to quickly fix leaks and lead the way in saving water. We know the challenges farmers are facing and will continue to work with them, other land users, and businesses to ensure everyone acts sustainably.
A look into the urban environment Page 9
“We are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to conserve water in these dry conditions.
such as heatstroke, dehydration, and respiratory problems.
plans - I will hold them to account if they delay.
Simple, everyday choices – such as turning off a tap or deleting old emails – also really helps the collective effort to reduce demand and help preserve the health of our rivers and wildlife.”
Speaking after attending the meeting, Water Minister Emma Hardy said: “Working with the National Drought Group, the Government is urgently stepping up its response to ensure we are successfully managing the impacts of ongoing dry weather.
The heat and climate change also impact human health, through issues
“Water companies must now take action to follow their drought
“We face a growing water shortage in the next decade. That’s why we are pushing ahead with root and branch reform under our Plan for Change, which includes £104 billion of private investment to build nine reservoirs and new pipes to cut leaks.” DEFRA
Enquiry 1
Nature Towns and Cities launches with £15m investment Everyone should have access to public parks and green spaces in their daily lives. Through the National Lottery Heritage Fund Nature Towns and Cities initiative, grants have been awarded to 19 partnership projects – such as Bradford, pictured by SWECO – to bring people closer to urban nature. Nature Towns and Cities is a partnership initiative aiming to help local authorities and community partners put natural heritage at the heart of their plans through funding,
accreditation resources.
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other
The National Lottery Heritage Fund is also celebrating Birmingham as the UK’s first accredited Nature City and its commitment that nature being a right not a privilege, and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as the first Nature Town as they work with partners to bring nature to the heart of communities. Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “This exciting initiative, working with partners right
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Brushcutters A round-up of the latest models Pages 19-20
across the UK, will give millions of people better access to nature close to home.” The £15m in grants will support 40 towns and cities – through 19 partnership projects – to become greener and happier places for people to live and work. Bradford has received £848,503 to develop green and blue infrastructure strategies and work with partners to connect communities with nature across the UK’s City of Culture 2025. Heritage Fund
Enquiry 2
Machinery New product launches and case studies Page 22