Landscape & A m en it y
June 2025
www.landscapeandamenity.com
New wellbeing research findings emphasise urgent need for action Perennial has partnered with the University of Exeter’s Social Innovation Group (SIG) to conduct a major new study to better understand the emotional, physical and financial wellbeing of those who work in horticulture. Industry professionals continue to experience serious and sustained wellbeing challenges. These results highlight the urgent need for action across the industry, as Julia Hayne, Director of Services at Perennial explains: “The scale of the very real challenges those working in horticulture are facing will not surprise people across the industry. “We are living through a period of significant social and political change that has the potential to impact us all. With uncertainties about the future, people’s ability to manage the everyday challenges is being put to the test, from rising prices, increased job insecurity and longer health care waiting lists.
“Ill health is the leading reason why people seek our help. This often means people have to take time off work, which impacts their income, their ability to pay their bills and their family life. In some cases, it means they are unable to return to the job they love. “Over the last three years we have led targeted interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of the industry and this work is beginning to move the dial, in areas of physical and mental health. But we are aware much, much more needs to be done. It is essential that we develop an industry-wide understanding of the challenges people face through life and come together to identify real world solutions that make a long-term difference.” This is further emphasised by Prof Michael Leyshon, Professor (Associate) in Social Geography and Dr Shukru Esmene, Research Fellow, both from the University of Exeter.
Key statistics include: • 52% of people have a health condition that is expected to last more than 12 months – 12% higher than in 2021 • 84% of people told us that they had experienced back and joint pain in the last 6 weeks and 51% of people didn’t seek advice • 83% of people within horticulture scored low or average for their wellbeing using a recognised scale 1 • And 32% stated they do not have an emergency fund, with 1 in 10 saving no money at all, pointing to the persistent financial stress faced by many across the industry
“The issues of particular interest, which were also prominent in Perennial’s 2021 survey results, include the reporting of lower life satisfaction and higher prevalence of low or medium mental health scores compared to national averages,” they added. “These areas need sector-wide action to address and will take time to solve.” Perennial
Enquiry 1
Special Feature Play & Activity
Product News The latest industry round-up Pages 6-9
Two & Four Wheeled Tractors Jane Carley profiles the latest models Pages 15-18
Support greenkeepers during driest spring in 70 years The British and International Golf Greenkeepers Association (BIGGA) is calling on golf clubs and golfers across the UK to support their members as we face our driest spring for decades. Following some exceptionally wet recent winters, the spring of 2025 has brought a stark contrast. According to the Met Office, rainfall across many regions has been at historic lows. Wales recorded its driest March since 1944, while East Anglia experienced its second-driest March on record.
With May showing little improvement, greenkeepers are under extreme pressure to maintain playing surfaces amid growing turf stress. Paul Woodham, The R&A’s Agronomy Lead for Europe and the UK, noted that warm days combined with cold nights have disrupted seasonal growth, resulting in stressed grass and delayed recovery from winter damage. Clubs are encouraged to communicate openly with their members, sharing insight into current conditions and course management strategies.
Transparent engagement and social media updates are key tools to foster support. “Our advice to clubs is to engage in professional dialogue with your Course Manager, set agreed objectives and show open support for your team of greenkeepers,” said BIGGA’s CEO Jim Croxton.
Sweepers, Collectors, Blowers & Vacs
“They will be much more motivated and determined to overcome these challenges with strong support from their members.”
Spotlight on the new market developments
BIGGA Enquiry 2
Pages 19-21
642 QUICK SPIN REEL GRINDER
NO LIFTING. NO HOISTING. ALL SPEED.
SCAN
ME TO
LEARN MORE!
GRINDING MADE EASY: • Adjustable Traverse Speed • Adjustable Spin Speed • 42’’ Max Reel Width
PROSPORTUKLTD.COM | +44 (0) 7779 270501 READER ENQUIRY 3