BALI's Lay of the Land report reveals industry confidence despite pressures

The British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) has released the second annual Lay of the Land report, providing a detailed snapshot of sentiment, behaviour and the opportunities and challenges shaping the UK landscaping industry in 2026.

The report reveals an industry that remains confident and ambitious despite continued economic and environmental pressures. While 16% of respondents describe themselves as very confident about their business over the next 12 months, up from 14% in 2025, the findings also highlight a growing divide in how businesses are experiencing the current climate.

Recruitment has emerged as the sector’s standout challenge. Some 27% of respondents rated staff recruitment as "very challenging", 11 percentage points higher than the next-ranked issue, weather, at 16%. At the same time, businesses are investing in the skills they need, with 54% exploring training opportunities, 57% considering staffing growth and 21% looking at new apprenticeships or equivalent routes.

Amy Cobbett, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at BALI and co-author of the report, said:

"The lay of the land report is such an important piece of work for the industry, showing all of the challenges and opportunities our members face and the innovative and proactive ways BALI members are future-proofing their businesses. Even across stark challenges, including environmental and economic pressures and the industry-wide lack of skilled staffing, our members are feeling positive about their business' outlook for the next 12 months, though greater support across these priorities would unlock more investment and growth for our industry." 

The report also highlights a strong appetite for opportunity. Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents are exploring new markets or contracts, while 40% are investigating technology or machinery and the same proportion are exploring AI tools. Marketing and social media are the most popular potential applications for AI, alongside design support, client communication and CRM systems.

Environmental pressures are also reshaping the industry. Water management has seen one of the biggest increase in businesses rating an issue as extremely challenging, rising from 9% in 2025 to 12% in 2026. Plant health, including pests and diseases, and red tape also recorded increases in the highest category of concern.

Meanwhile, more than a quarter of respondents are exploring environmental delivery opportunities including biodiversity net gain, sustainable drainage systems and net zero projects.

With the wider environmental horticulture and landscaping industry contributing £38 billion to UK GDP and supporting approximately 722,000 jobs, the report argues that the sector has significant potential for further growth.

The full Lay of the Land 2026 report contains the detailed findings, charts and BALI’s policy recommendations, offering businesses and stakeholders an opportunity to understand where the industry is heading – and where they fit within that wider picture.

Download the full Lay of the Land 2026 report:
BALI – Lay of the Land 2026 report