Amenity Forum Updating Event 2025: Unlocking Smarter, Sustainable Weed and Pest Management for Public Spaces

Amenity Forum held the first virtual updating event covering the range of updates in the amenity sector. The event has brought industry leaders, contractors, and land managers together to discuss the future of weed and pest management in the UK’s amenity sector.

The event began with Ian Graham, the Chair of the Amenity Forum, with a quick review of the 2025 UK Pesticides National Action Plan 2025. Ian outlined the sector has acquired the tools, technology, and knowledge and urges now it's time to act collectively to support Defra and the objectives of the National Action Plan.

Following the Health and Safety Executive presentation by Pesticide Enforcement Officer Rob Gigg, the current work of HSE was outlined, including PEO visits and the requirements for safely handling and storing pesticides. Jim Croxton from BIGGA also urged the sector to unite with a stronger, more proactive voice.

The panel discussion featured Ian Graham, Ed Stannard from Parks for London, and our Managing Director, Chris Faulkner, exploring the complexity of adopting IWM across local authorities. They highlighted the importance of information and guidance in decision-making, long-term evaluation and monitoring, and the need to improve surface sweeping regimes in public spaces. This points to a broader underlying issue: where poorly maintained infrastructure can lead to higher maintenance costs, it requires a more strategic and nuanced approach.

Attendees also heard from technical experts such as Ed Lewis from Railscape, who shared innovative aerial precision spraying technology, and representatives from Origin Amenity Solutions, who presented practical Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for turf management. They share that land management in the industry is evolving; IPM now relies on proactive, data-informed practices that help predict weed and pest outbreaks, enabling smarter planning, targeted interventions, and more responsible use of chemicals.

Overall, the event showcased the amenity sector’s commitment to taking integrated, environmentally responsible solutions that protect public spaces and improve the quality of green areas. While challenges remain, the future looks positive as stakeholders work together to implement land management practices that balance economic, social, and environmental needs.

Interested in integrating balanced, sustainable weed management into your programme? Get in touch to discuss your needs or arrange a demo, contact:

Email: office@kerstenuk.com

Call: 0118 9869 253

Visit our website: https://kerstenuk.com/