Policy makers often talk about the importance of getting the right plant for
the right place. But at the moment, it’s almost impossible to know what the
right plant is.
Our changing climate is a big factor – but researchers have
also found that almost all the information we have about plants is either
contradictory or out of date.
Worse still, much of the information available to the landscape sectors
doesn’t fit seamlessly with digital workflows, undermining our efficiency.
To address these challenges, Future Flora will create new, BIM-compatible data that uses
the latest techniques to predict exactly when and why a plant is likely to
fail. This increased confidence in plant selection could deliver a step change
in the ability of nurseries, landscape contractors, designers and managers to
support national policy goals.
Funded by Defra, Future Flora is currently in a public consultation phase,
and the researchers are inviting everyone in the landscape sectors to take part in a brief survey.
Harry Watkins, researcher and Chair of the LI Biosecurity Working Group,
said: “Whether you are in a consultancy, conservation group or a public sector
organisation, your views will make a big difference in shaping how we create
and implement Future Flora – so please share this survey with your colleagues,
clients and suppliers. A cross-sector change starts here.”
