An online course in water conservation developed by a number of water companies in the South East in partnership with the horticulture sector and other organisations has recently reached a major milestone.
Since its launch a year ago, 100 professionals have now completed the ‘Water Conservation Course’ developed through a joint initiative by horticultural and landscape industry trade associations in partnership with a number of UK water companies. The aim is to reduce the demand for water in areas labelled by the Environment Agency as “serious water stressed”.
Affinity Water, Anglian Water, South East Water, Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water, Water UK and Waterwise were involved in the unique partnership, combining their different areas of expertise on horticulture and gardening with efficient water use.
Matthew Walker from Thames Water’s water efficiency team commented:
“It’s brilliant to see horticulturists taking the subject of water conservation seriously. The last thing we want is to stop people designing and enjoying beautiful gardens but it’s important they do it in a way that protects precious water resources. If professionals know all about reducing water use in the garden they can pass this knowledge on to their customers so they’re the perfect people for us to be working with.”
Organisations from the horticultural sector who helped develop the initiative include the Association of Professional Landscapers, British Association of Landscape Industries, Horticultural Trades Association, Institute of Groundsmanship, Turfgrass Growers Association and the Royal Horticultural Society.
Tim Mudge, Chief Executive at the TGA said:
“The e-learning course is an important step forward for the industry. It is the first time water companies and trade associations have co-operated so closely for the benefit of the environment.”
The online course requires horticulture professionals to demonstrate high standards of sustainable, cost effective and environmentally sensitive use of water in gardens, parks, sports grounds and other amenity areas.
The course comprises four modules focusing on planning, constructing, establishing and maintaining gardens, grounds and landscapes in ways which use minimal water.
The certificate enables holders, and the companies they work for, to take a leading role in demonstrating and promoting best water management practice to the public.
Paul Cowell, Managing Director of PC Landscapes Ltd, one of the companies which has used the course, commented:
“When we learnt about this course we immediately made it company policy that all operatives would take part. Our company ethos is one of sustainability where we design, construct and maintain the landscapes we plan. The online test reflected this perfectly."
“The course not only highlighted the knowledge needed to undertake specialist landscape projects, but also gave clients greater confidence that we were the right company as all our operatives could demonstrate awareness of how water plays a vital role in their landscape projects. This is a must-do course for anybody dealing with the external environment.”
For more information about the course visit www.htalearning.org.uk