latest news
Opportunity to create woodland using the England Woodland Creation Offer
Landowners including owner occupiers, tenants and landlords can apply to the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) for support to create new woodland.
Defra propose new flat rate import fee and changes to frequency of checks
Following a recent consultation with plant businesses and stakeholders across Great Britain, Defra are proposing to implement changes to the current plant import regime that will take effect from 22nd July 2022.
Plant health debated in House of Lords
Earlier this week the House of Lords held a short debate on ‘Health of trees in England, and progress made towards developing a variety of ash that is resistant to ash dieback’.
Provision of sunscreen: employer or employee responsibility?
Following recent weather conditions, Technical Officer Owen Baker discusses whether sunscreen protection is the responsibility of employer or employee?
European Union postpones glyphosate renewal verdict until 2023
EFSA has announced the decision to renew the licence for glyphosate has been postponed until July 2023. Post-Brexit pesticides regulations mean use of glyphosate in UK is therefore likely to be extended until July 2026.
Rabies in bats
Cases of rabies in Great Britain are rare but occur each year, most recently in the south of England in coastal areas. The most recent case of rabies in a bat was Poole, Dorset, in June 2022.
Plant Protection Products users must register by 22 June 2022
Users of Professional Plant Protection Products (PPPs) and adjuvants in England, Wales and Scotland are required to register with Defra. Find out more on where you fit and further registration guidance.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency launch accredited trailer training
This competency is particularly important in the landscape industry, where contractors may require employees to drive a vehicle with a trailer as part of their work.
Import controls on plants and plant products postponed to 2023
Target Operating Model document due to be released in Autumn 2022 will outline how and when a new global regime of all border import controls will be implemented.
The top 7 pests and diseases landscape professionals need to be aware of
Whilst landscape professionals cannot be expected to memorise all pests and diseases present in the UK, awareness of the most common threats can serve as a useful first response mechanism.