House of Lords horticulture inquiry

likely to be split over several sites but must remain geographically accessible; research suggests access to parks and green spaces is currently unequal. During his session, Wayne mentioned the launch of the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter within the industry to help promote better planning and design of green spaces with the people who use them in mind.

Of course, there are challenges associated with this provision of high-quality urban green spaces, and Wayne stressed the importance of adequate funding which reflects the important role that these spaces will play in the future.

Earlier this year, the House of Lords established a special committee inquiry into the horticulture sector. The focus of the committee throughout the inquiry, is on both the ornamental and the edible sectors, and will ask for evidence structured around different policy areas. This will lead to a report later this year and in advance of this, the committee is taking evidence from industry about some of the main challenges facing those working in horticulture.

On behalf of the Association and Environmental Horticulture Group (EHG), Wayne Grills gave evidence to the inquiry at the House of Lords on 15 June. Wayne was joined on the panel by Judy Ling Wong CBE, Honorary President, Black Environment Network; and Patricia Wallace, Northern Ireland Manager, Social Farms and Gardens.

This forum is an important opportunity to speak directly to parliamentarians and outline the industry’s key concerns, policy priorities, and growth opportunities. Chief Executive Wayne Grills giving evidence provided the opportunity for challenges facing Association members to be directly conveyed to the special committee.

The hour-long evidence session covered a range of key areas, with a specific focus on the use and management of urban green spaces.

Discussion topics included:

• The role and value of green urban spaces

• Support communities and citizen wellbeing

• Accessibility and inclusivity

• Suitability of plants grown in urban spaces

• Key challenges facing design, planning and creation in urban environments

• Biodiversity net gain

• Green urban planning policies

With the ratio of the world’s population living in urban areas expected to increase from 55% (2018 figure) to 68% by 2050, adequate design, provision and management of green space in urban areas is a key concern for the government.

Whilst the potential health benefits of green urban spaces are understood, research has suggested the facilities offered are variable and often exclude groups of people. This isn’t surprising, given the layout and facilities of many urban parks differs little from when they were first built during Victorian times, intended as a destination for passive activities such as walking.

As the population grows, urban green spaces will have to work harder for local residents, by offering platforms for social connection and enabling a broader range of leisure activities – whilst still benefitting the environment. These new roles are

The committee also requested feedback on biodiversity net gain. This initiative is intended to contribute to the recovery of nature whilst developing land. Larger developments will be subject to the rules from November 2023, whilst smaller developments will follow in April 2024. The proposal has potential but relies on watertight governance mechanisms to ensure the promises made by developers are verified. In his response to the committee, Wayne raised the importance of educating end-clients in relation to biodiversity net gains, whether in a domestic garden or public green space. Wayne also suggested the potential to consider green-space rating, similar to building ratings, which would educate to provide greater biodiversity.

Wayne also took the opportunity to highlight the skills gap within the industry, with a lack of new entrants as well as limited skills development of those already within the sector. Highlighting the importance of ensuring horticulture is considered within the education system, including horticulture and landscaping on the curriculum, improving the education system, promoting the industry, and the range of career opportunities available.

The way forward

In terms of the way forward, the committee’s report is anticipated to be published in the autumn, with specific elements of the inquiry brought to both Houses for debate, i.e. The House of Lords and The House of Commons. Beyond the debates, the intention is to affect change in central and local Government, to recognise, promote and benefit our industry in ways we have not experienced before.

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