Defra has published the government's Plant Biosecurity Strategy for Great Britain (2023 to 2028). The result of cooperation between the UK Government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Forestry Commission, the strategy is underpinned by a commitment "to...

This is a reminder that businesses and other organisations working with plant protection products (PPPs) in Great Britain are required to register basic information about their activity with Defra under The Official Controls (Plant Protection Products) Regulations...

Terry Underhill FCIHort 1938-2022 Born in Leyton in East London Terry grew up in a socialist background, his father Reg, was created a Life Peer in 1979. He first learnt of the pleasures of gardening, aged four years, when he raised a crop of radish from seed and...

We are thrilled to be launching the 2023 Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition (YHoY) run by the Chartered Institute of Horticulture. The competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland, who is under 30 on 31st July 2023. Whether you are a student,...

As we enter 2023, I feel we can build on the progress we have made during the last year. The Education Core Interest group has held its first meeting. James Wagstaffe, who will take the group forward, has produced an action plan—initially forming task groups to work...

The Autumn 2022 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. View the preview of what's inside this edition here.

As we enter the final month of the year, I am optimistic that we are moving in the right direction. Grow Careers in Scotland was a great success. A full auditorium and some virtual attendees were captivated by presentations from David Domoney, Chris Collins, Andy...

Careers in horticulture are very much in our focus. We have been working collaboratively during what is a very challenging time to highlight and promote the opportunities available to both young people and career changers. Grow Careers on 16th November is a hybrid...

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) regulates machinery under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008. These regulations set the essential health and safety requirements for machinery before such products can be placed on the UK market. OPSS...

View the full report on opportunities for the Irish Horticulture Industry 2022 prepared by KPMG for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

The government has now launched the initial call for evidence for the Net Zero Review. The review will scrutinise the government’s approach to delivering its net zero target to ensure that it is pro-business and pro-growth. It comes a year after the publication of the...

I have just returned from our conference in Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Being able to meet face to face gave delegates the opportunity to network, meet friends and have meaningful debate after each presentation. The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh provided a...

The CIH Northern Branch Commendation for 2022 has been awarded to Sue Wood MCIHort, Horticultural Development Officer for Harrogate Borough Council. The Commendation was presented in recognition of Sue’s outstanding contribution to amenity and community Horticulture...

The Chartered Institute of Horticulture joins with people around the globe in mourning the loss of Her Majesty The Queen. We are honoured that she granted us Chartership in 2014. Throughout her life she demonstrated a love of open spaces, the countryside and...

The Government published its Review of Automation in Horticulture at the end of July.  You can read a press release about the review here. The review includes, amongst other points, that Defra should consider pursuing a long-term Seasonal Workers Scheme.

This Autumn, the Forestry Commission will be launching a new Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG) to support the sector in increasing the quantity, quality and diversity of Seed Stands and Seed Orchards in England.    Seed Stands are defined groups of trees in the...

Read the UK Government press release on the ban of the sale of horticultural peat. Government have pledged to continue to work closely with the professional horticulture sector on speeding up their transition to peat-free alternatives ahead of the ban, recognising...

A career in Horticulture is both varied and rewarding. Now, more than ever, there is a need to promote opportunities for both newly qualified and those changing career. Historically our profession has not been promoted by many careers’ advisers, but I feel that change...

Following on from the education committee open meeting on 26th July, enclosed are the terms of reference for the committee, link to application to join the group and for those who are not yet members of the Chartered Institute of Horticulture (CIH), membership...

The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee currently has a new inquiry open: Environmental Land Management Scheme: Progress Update. The inquiry examines the Government’s progress in delivering the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) and...

Defra has launched a one-month consultation on key proposals for the deer management strategy which has been developed by the Forestry Commission and Defra. It has been identified that more needs to be done to manage deer to reduce damage to agricultural crops and...

The Summer 2022 publication of The Horticulturist is out now for all members. For a preview of what's inside this edition click here.

As part of our strategy to expand our membership the new membership category, Early Career Horticulturist, is in the process of being formed. We are excited to offer a place on the Council of Trustees for a person with the relative experience to apply. Details of how...

We are very pleased to welcome you back to the first Chartered Institute of Horticulture Conference since 2019. Post-pandemic we are back and better than ever! This 2-day conference is taking place at the Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh 5th-6th October 2022.Tickets...

The Branch Chairs and the Council of Trustees meetings took place in June at The York Gate Garden of the charity Perennial. This tranquil setting provided us with the space to reflect on our progress and explore further ideas. Those who could not attend in person...