The breadth of professional amenity management was firmly in the spotlight as 80 attendees gathered for the Amenity Forum Annual Conference at the British Motor Museum, Gaydon, on 8 October 2026.
Held under the theme Navigating Change: Regulation, Stewardship and the Future of Amenity Management, the conference brought together professionals from across the sector for a day of lively discussion, knowledge sharing and practical demonstrations.
The programme reflected the diversity of professional amenity management, bringing together speakers from regulators, manufacturers and suppliers of products and technology, contractors, railway vegetation management, turf and grounds management, alongside organisations supporting professional standards and best practice.
Discussions explored the evolving pesticide policy and regulatory landscape, inspections and compliance, responsible vegetation management and the challenges of delivering effective solutions across different amenity environments.
The afternoon programme turned attention to building resilience, with presentations exploring soil health, water management and technological innovation. Practical demonstrations brought these themes to life, providing delegates with tangible examples of how knowledge and technology can support professional practice.
Strong delegate engagement was a feature throughout the day, with questions and discussions highlighting the value of bringing together different disciplines to share experiences, explore common challenges and learn from one another.
The conference also saw the launch of new glyphosate resistance guidance, developed in partnership with the Weed Resistance Action Group (WRAG), reinforcing the Forum’s commitment to providing practical guidance and supporting best practice across the sector.
Speaking following her first annual conference since taking up the Executive Officer role in May 2026, Corrina Urquhart said:
“One of the real strengths of the Amenity Forum is the diversity of the sector it represents. Although our members work in very different environments, they face many shared challenges. What was particularly encouraging was the level of engagement throughout the day and the genuine appetite to exchange ideas, share experiences and learn from one another.
“At a time when the pesticide policy and regulatory landscape is evolving, bringing together regulatory insight, operational experience and practical innovation is more important than ever. We’re building on the Forum’s progress, strengthening relationships and working with members and stakeholders to shape our longer-term priorities.”
Members of the Amenity Forum Board also played an active role in the conference, chairing sessions and helping to facilitate discussions throughout the day.
The Amenity Forum extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and session chairs for sharing their expertise and contributing to the day’s discussions, and to delegates for their enthusiastic participation.
Special thanks go to Kate Hopkins, whose many years of dedication to organising the annual conference continue to play an important part in its success.
The Forum also thanks conference sponsors Complete Weed Control, Languard, NSTS, BASIS, Lantra, ProGreen, ICL, Origin Amenity Solutions, Grounds Management Association and Weedfree for their valued support.
