The Amenity Forum has appointed Ian Barnett, Regional Technical Manager (South West UK) at DLF Seeds, to its Board of Directors.
Ian brings more than 30 years' experience in the amenity and turf sector, working with local authorities, contractors, sports facilities, turf growers and land managers across the UK. His appointment further strengthens the breadth of expertise represented on the Forum's Board.
Ian Graham, Chair of the Amenity Forum, said: "We are delighted to welcome Ian to the Board. He brings a wealth of technical expertise and practical experience from across the amenity sector, together with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing those responsible for managing our landscapes, sports facilities and public spaces.
“As the sector responds to changing environmental expectations, regulatory developments and the need to attract and develop skilled professionals, Ian's insight and experience will be invaluable. We look forward to working with him as the Forum continues to promote best practice, professional competence and responsible amenity management."
Ian Barnett said: "I am proud to join the Board of the Amenity Forum. The Forum plays an important role in bringing the sector together, promoting best practice and helping to ensure those working in amenity management are informed, connected and supported.
“I look forward to working with fellow Directors and stakeholders from across the industry to help advance the Forum's objectives and support the continued development of the sector."
As part of our new 'Meet the Board' series, we spoke to Ian Barnett about the opportunities and challenges facing the amenity sector and what he hopes to achieve as a Director.
What attracted you to the Amenity Forum and the opportunity to join its Board?
I wanted to join the Board because I believe the Amenity Forum provides an important voice for the amenity sector. Bringing together organisations from across the industry to share knowledge, promote best practice and support professional standards has never been more important. The sector faces a range of opportunities and challenges, from environmental change and biodiversity enhancement to skills and regulation, and I am keen to play a part in helping the Forum support its members and the wider industry.
Why is the work of the Amenity Forum important?
The Amenity Forum provides an important voice for the sector. Education is a huge part of that. Everything we do affects the public, so it is vital that we are both educated and able to educate others.
The Forum helps raise awareness of the work being done to create and manage habitats whilst promoting best practice and ensuring we operate legally, responsibly and professionally.
What are the biggest trends you are seeing in the amenity sector?
One of the biggest growth areas is wildflowers, particularly within the public sector. Wildflower areas can help organisations meet environmental commitments whilst creating attractive habitats that are lower maintenance and more cost effective than traditional intensively managed turf.
There is also increasing interest in sustainable planting solutions, including grasses requiring less irrigation and varieties better suited to changing environmental conditions. Alongside this, the reduction in available curative chemistry continues to drive innovation in disease-resistant grass varieties and alternative management approaches.
What do you hope to achieve as a Director?
I would like to see the Forum continue to strengthen its role as a trusted voice for the amenity sector, supporting professional competence, promoting best practice and helping the industry respond to changing environmental, regulatory and societal expectations. Bringing organisations together and encouraging collaboration will be increasingly important as the sector addresses future challenges.
The Board of Directors comprises representatives from a broad range of organisations and disciplines, reflecting the diversity of the amenity sector. Further profiles of Board members will be published over the coming months.
For further information about the Amenity Forum, visit: www.amenityforum.co.uk
