As the amenity sector adapts to growing public expectations, environmental pressures, and an evolving regulatory landscape, understanding what “best practice” truly looks like has never been more important.

The Amenity Standard sits at the heart of this shift, offering a clear, accountable framework for delivering safe, responsible, and effective management of our surfaces.

We explore how forthcoming legislative changes will influence day-to-day operations for turf professionals across grounds managers, contractors, local authorities, and those responsible for keeping the UK’s amenity areas clean, healthy and accessible. From strengthened stewardship requirements to enhanced training and record-keeping expectations, the regulatory direction is unmistakable.

Firstly, Managing Director at COMPO EXPERT, Gerald Bonner explains how upcoming regulations on fertilisers, plastics and plant protection are reshaping amenity business management in the UK.

Legislation around pesticides, fertilisers and environmental protection has tightened across the European Union in the last decade. Although the UK is no longer an EU member, the turfcare sector will not remain insulated from these shifts. In fact, the industry may be more influenced by EU policies than many turf professionals realise. A recent round table discussion with industry specialists highlights how regulatory change is accelerating and what it will mean for greenkeepers, grounds managers and amenity professionals in the years ahead. COMPO EXPERT, Bayer and BASF are all German companies and Syngenta are non European. These companies have their Turf products and policies shaped by the European Union.

Urea restrictions and impact

Urea is widely used in turf as a fast-acting green up fertiliser, especially in foliar or soluble forms. It is now subject to increasingly strict controls targeting the reduction of Ammonia emissions across Europe. Many EU countries limit application to the early part of the year. Ireland restricts it throughout the entire calendar year.

The UK has already adopted its own April to December restriction as part of domestic ammonia reduction and net zero commitments.

Liquid and soluble urea is a staple turfcare tool. Its tightening regulation is an early sign of how EU policy can indirectly reshape UK amenity practice.

This matters because liquid and soluble urea is a staple turfcare tool. Many in the industry do not realise it sits within emissions legislation at all. Its tightening regulation is an early sign of how EU policy can indirectly reshape UK amenity practice.

Microplastic legislation and product disruption

A much larger change is approaching with the EU’s restrictions on microplastics. This includes polymer fertilisers. The original enforcement date of October 2026 has been extended to 2028, but manufacturers have already begun withdrawing coated products. Many suppliers of polymer coated granules to the UK, stopped exporting entirely after recognising the direction of European policy.

COMPO EXPERT have already discontinued polymer coated products to Agriculture, Horticulture and Sports Turf and have fully transitioned to their DMPP, Isodur and Crotodur technology in all segments. Even if the UK does not adopt the microplastics ban, the reality is simple. Manufacturers will not maintain separate production lines solely for the UK market. As a result, these products may disappear regardless of domestic legislation. This reduces the availability of controlled release quick fixes and reinforces the need for longer term strategic nutrient planning.

Declining access to pesticides and the necessity of Integrated Pest Management

The amenity chemical toolbox has been shrinking for years. Fungicides, selective herbicides, and plant protection products are declining in availability. Many are being replaced by natural products with reduced efficacy. This trend will continue as large manufacturers prioritise regions where regulation still supports synthetic chemistry.

Integrated Pest Management is therefore becoming essential rather than optional. Turf professionals can no longer rely on a single curative product. They must combine nutrition, irrigation management, cultural practices, and plant health technologies to suppress disease before it takes hold. Ireland demonstrates this clearly. With earlier and more restrictive legislation, leading golf venues have already built long term bio stimulant and plant resistance programmes in preparation for major events.

Fertilisers and the circular economy

COMPO EXPERT are moving rapidly toward circular economy nutrient sources. This includes:

• Blue ammonia produced using renewable energy from carbon capture
• Recycled phosphorus recovered from waste water streams
• Recycled magnesium and potassium from power to heat sources and renewable electricity
• Growth in organic mineral and organic fertiliser technology

These shifts are driven by both environmental pressure and economics. Traditional mined sources of nutrients are becoming less viable. Many fertiliser ingredients in the future will originate from the circular economy and recycled materials rather than virgin mineral deposits. We will need to increase our understanding how these products behave and how they fit into seasonal nutrition planning.

How this will affect greenkeepers and grounds teams

End users will feel the changes most directly. Manufacturers will innovate. Distributors will adapt. Greenkeepers and grounds managers must change daily practice. That means:

• Relying less on fast acting solutions
• Increasing focus on plant resilience and health
• Improving water use efficiency
• Understanding restrictions in protected areas, such as AONBs, where fertiliser and pesticide use may be limited to greens and tees only
• Increasing use of resilient turf species, following examples already common in continental Europe

The job is becoming more complex, and will need a more scientific and proactive approach.

A communication gap that needs to be addressed

A major frustration for many in the industry is the lack of clarity surrounding the upcoming Amenity Standard. Current information consists of brief summaries rather than detailed requirements. This leaves turf professionals and companies uncertain about what they will be expected to do by 2028.

A more sustainable and more regulated future is coming, and turf professionals who stay informed will be best positioned to succeed.

Industry organisations should play a crucial role in closing this knowledge gap and ensuring that end users understand the changes that are coming.

The turfcare sector is entering a period of significant legislative and environmental transition. EU policy, even without UK adoption, is reshaping the availability of fertilisers, chemical tools, and manufacturing processes. Those who begin adapting now will be better prepared for the future. By embracing truly efficient fertilisers, bio stimulants, water smart strategies and sustainable nutrient sources, the industry can respond to both regulatory pressure and public stereotypes.

A view from within: BASIS

Across the UK, sports turf and amenity landscapes are entering a new era. The pressures of climate change, biodiversity decline and tightening environmental policy mean that sustainability is no longer a buzzword. It is the new operational standard.

With 2,500 golf courses, 27,000 sports pitches and more than three million hectares of urban green space, the responsibility on the sector is enormous.

Adopting greener practice is not just socially expected. It is the only route to long-term viability.

A recent survey shows that 72% of UK sports clubs are already implementing sustainability initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, electric equipment, and habitat-friendly maintenance regimes. The UK’s £24-billion landscaping and turf industry is also seeing a surge in demand for eco-conscious management solutions.

Education: The sector’s most powerful sustainability tool

Sustainable amenity management is complex and shaped by policy, ecology, and practical constraints on the ground. To support professionals through this shift, BASIS has launched a comprehensive learning pathway titled The Principles of Sustainable Amenity Management.

Developed with industry specialists, this modular series equips turf and landscape managers with the knowledge and confidence to turn sustainability from an aspiration into routine practice.

Each course blends real-world case studies, practical guidance, and optional certification, creating a valuable resource for anyone responsible for managing amenity spaces in a more environmentally responsible way.

Inside the learning series

1. Understanding policy and sustainability in the amenity sector
   A clear guide to the legislation, regulations and emerging policies shaping modern amenity management.
2. Building biodiversity for amenity environmental management
   From habitat creation to soil and water stewardship, this module helps professionals enhance ecological value across their sites.
3. Managing water and air pollution in the amenity environment
   Learn to identify pollutant risks, integrate sustainable alternatives, and use Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) to inform product and process choices.
4. Planning integrated approaches in amenity situations
   A hands-on exploration of integrated strategies for weed, pest and disease management, supported by examples from real amenity settings.
5. Sustainable amenity practice in action (exclusive bonus module)
   Available when all four modules are purchased, this free course examines sector-wide challenges and emerging opportunities. It also includes an optional online assessment that leads to certification.

A view from within: BALI

The UK government and devolved administrations have released the long-awaited National Action Plan (NAP) on pesticides, setting new direction for both farming and amenity land management.

The plan recognises the essential role pesticides play in food production, landscape maintenance, and the management of public spaces, while also highlighting the environmental and human health risks associated with overuse or misuse.

What the plan means for you

The NAP sets out three main objectives that will influence how contractors, grounds maintenance teams and amenity professionals operate in the years ahead.

1. Encouraging the uptake of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
   IPM is placed at the centre of the plan, promoting a strategic approach that balances chemical, cultural, mechanical, and biological tools. Although IPM is well established in agriculture, it remains less clearly defined across the amenity sector.
   The NAP highlights several non-chemical methods including mechanical control such as strimming, mowing, brushing and ripping, as well as hand weeding, mulching and the use of specialist technologies like foam treatments.
   For amenity businesses this is likely to increase demand for services that prioritise non chemical approaches and for staff trained and certified through recognised assurance schemes such as The Amenity Standard and BASIS Amenity Assured.
2. Setting clearer targets and improving monitoring
   Building on international commitments to reduce pesticide risks by half by 2030, the NAP introduces a domestic target to reduce a range of specific risks by at least 10 percent by 2030. This initial target currently applies only to the agricultural arable sector rather than the amenity sector.
   The plan identifies a significant gap in data for amenity and amateur pesticide use. These sectors are surveyed only once every four years compared with every two years for several agricultural areas.

   For amenity contractors this suggests that improved record keeping and evidence of best practice may become increasingly important.

3. Strengthening compliance for safety and environmental outcomes
   Existing regulations such as the Plant Protection Products Regulations 2011 and the Plant Protection Products Sustainable Use Regulations 2012 remain in force, but the NAP outlines a need for stronger enforcement, more targeted inspections, and updates to national Codes of Practice.
   It also notes that membership of assurance schemes may play a greater role in how inspections are prioritised. This places additional value on accreditation, auditing, and documented adherence to professional standards.

Last thoughts

Although the NAP does not yet set formal pesticide risk reduction targets for the amenity sector, it clearly shows that government focus on this area is increasing. For amenity contractors and grounds maintenance professionals, this is a timely opportunity to adapt services, strengthen compliance and demonstrate leadership in sustainable land management.

EU Legislation change in amenity and turfcare

Legislation shaped by earlier EU frameworks continues to influence how the UK manages amenity and sports turf. Even after Brexit, many EU derived rules on pesticides, workplace safety and environmental protection remain active in UK law, and they continue to tighten expectations on turf professionals.

Understanding these changes is vital for anyone responsible for maintaining public green spaces, parks, schools, golf courses and sportsgrounds.

Chemical use and sustainable practice

The biggest shift comes from regulations governing plant protection products and biocides. These rules require operators to hold proper certification, follow Integrated Pest Management principles, and protect watercourses and wildlife. Detailed application records and COSHH assessments are now standard expectations. This reflects a wider move to reduce chemical reliance and promote environmentally responsible turfcare.

Environmental duty of care

Retained legislation linked to the Water Framework Directive and broader environmental protection policies places greater emphasis on sustainable land management. Turfcare must adopt practices that conserve water, protect soil, reduce contamination risks and support biodiversity. Sustainability has effectively become part of legal compliance rather than optional good practice.

Machinery and workplace safety

Rules originally shaped by EU safety directives, including PUWER and LOLER, remain central to UK workplace law. They require regular machinery inspections, safe systems of work, appropriate PPE and trained competent operators. Turf teams must manage vibration, noise and manual handling risks as part of routine operations. These measures help protect staff and align with ongoing Health and Safety Executive expectations.

Public safety in amenity spaces

Amenity managers also carry a clear duty of care to the public. Regular site inspections, safe playing surfaces and clear communication during maintenance tasks such as spraying or topdressing are essential. This approach reflects a continued regulatory focus on risk management across public spaces.

In summary

EU influenced legislation continues to shape how the UK manages chemicals, machinery, health and safety and environmental protection in turfcare. The direction is clear: reduced chemical use, greater sustainability, stronger documentation, and rigorous safety standards. For the amenity sector, adapting to these expectations is now a core part of professional best practice.

Statement from: England Golf

At England Golf we recognise the importance of embedding sustainability within modern turf care practices. Across the industry, many partners and golf facilities have been working hard in this area to future-proof our sport against potential incoming legislative changes.

We continue to emphasise that courses which take a proactive approach to sustainability are far better positioned to adapt to developments such as those outlined in your article.

We remain committed to ensuring that our members are kept up to date with best practice in sustainability, greenkeeping and turfcare. The latest version of our Sustainability Drive 2025-2030, which can be accessed via our sustainability webpage, brings together some of our latest guidance, sustainability toolkits (including a focused Materials and Chemicals Toolkit) and the Sustainable Agronomy video series which we created in partnership with The R&A. 

These resources recognise increasing legislation around pesticides and fertilisers as one of the major challenges facing golf facilities, and are designed to help prepare our members for these changes. 

England Golf’s role is to provide guidance, resources and leadership rather than direct control over individual facility decisions. We actively promote approaches that help golf courses respond effectively to evolving legislation and environmental expectations through collaboration with major industry stakeholders including The R&A, BIGGA and the GCMA. 

A view from within: UK Lawn Care Association

Raising standards in turfcare

Tom Arnold, Chair of the UK Lawn Care Association, on regulation, responsibility and the future of professional lawn management.

For those working in turfcare and grounds management, the Amenity Standard is a key benchmark of professionalism. Tom Arnold, Chair of the UK Lawn Care Association (UKLCA), says schemes such as BASIS Lawn Assured help businesses demonstrate compliance, accountability, and best practice.

“With the National Action Plan (NAP), the focus on how we operate has intensified,” Tom explains. “It’s possible to demonstrate compliance without a recognised scheme, but it’s far harder. Accreditation reassures customers and stakeholders that standards are met.”

Regulation shaping daily practice

Professional lawn care is growing as homeowners increasingly rely on specialists for technical lawn maintenance. With growth comes greater responsibility, particularly around pesticide and fertiliser use.

“The NAP has brought clarity, but also pressure on organisations to get things right,” Tom says. “Companies must deliver results while fully complying with legislation and best practice.”

Industry trends already reflect this shift. Fertiliser programmes have moved from coated products to organic alternatives, with lower application rates and reduced nitrogen inputs. There is also greater emphasis on soil health and water management.

Selective weed control remains the primary pesticide input. Fungicides are rarely used, while insecticide applications are extremely limited.

“What has changed dramatically is how products are applied,” Tom notes. “Spot treatment has replaced blanket spraying across most professional lawn care companies. Combined with the loss of older high-dose products and the introduction of newer, lower-dose options, this has significantly reduced pesticide use per square metre.”

Customers who choose professional services often reduce chemical inputs compared with DIY combination products.

IPM and realistic expectations

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is well established in the sector. “The focus is on producing healthy turf that naturally outcompetes weeds, reducing the need for intervention,” Tom says.

Adapting to reduced chemical availability requires shifting expectations. “We must educate customers to accept some level of weeds. A completely weed-free lawn is difficult to achieve and not always necessary.”

Training and innovation

Staff training and certification remain central to meeting Amenity Standard requirements. Tom stresses robust risk assessments, COSHH procedures, and ongoing training, welcoming CPD through the BASIS scheme.

Looking ahead, innovation is critical. “Application technology has changed little in forty years. Precision equipment, robotics, and drone technology can reduce pesticide use, cut waste, improve safety, and lower costs. The industry now needs to embrace it.”

Changes are coming: What the next five years mean for turf professionals

The regulatory landscape for amenity turf is entering a period of significant change, and our readers will need to prepare for a new operating environment. Several emerging policies, legislative proposals and industry standards are set to influence how turf is managed, maintained, and purchased over the next few years.

A new national approach to pesticide use

The UK Pesticides National Action Plan for 2025 represents the most important policy shift ahead. It introduces a national pesticide load indicator and a reduction target. It also strengthens the government’s expectation that all amenity sectors expand the use of Integrated Pest Management. We should anticipate a continued move away from routine chemical applications and greater expectations around monitoring, thresholds and cultural or biological controls.

Possible public sector ban on pesticides

A private member’s bill currently progressing through Parliament seeks to prohibit local authorities and other public bodies from using professional plant protection products on amenity land. If adopted, it is likely to be phased in by 2028. This would require councils and many operators working on public land to move toward nonchemical maintenance regimes, influencing procurement choices and contractor expectations.

Industry standards are changing

The Turfgrass Growers Association has already committed to removing plastic netting from turf production by 31 October 2026. Although this is not legislation, it signals a clear shift in supply chain norms and will influence the characteristics of turf available to buyers. It is likely that similar voluntary sustainability standards will continue to shape industry practice.

Updated land management codes

The 2025 update of the Heather and Grass Management Code introduces tighter guidance on burning, cutting and habitat management. These updates are linked to environmental protection, wildfire risk reduction, soil considerations, and archaeology. Turf professionals working in or near sensitive landscapes should expect more detailed compliance requirements.

What you should expect

Over the next two to five years the sector will experience increased monitoring and record keeping, wider expectations for IPM adoption, shifts in product availability such as the move to netting free turf, additional budget pressures as non-chemical methods expand and stronger public and political interest in reducing pesticide use on public land.