BLOG – Building Skills for a More Resilient Future

Groundwork’s landscaping team have traditionally undertaken work such as flagging, fencing and other landscaping services. However, as the challenges facing our natural and built environment continue to evolve, so too must the skills and knowledge needed to care for and improve these spaces.

Recognising the growing need for landscapes that are richer in biodiversity, more resilient to flooding and better adapted to rising urban temperatures, we are investing in developing the specialist skills of our in-house landscaping team. This will help ensure we are well equipped to deliver against our own environmental priorities as well as be able to respond to commissioned work related to flood resilience, climate adaptation and nature recovery.

Earlier this year, members of our team enhanced their knowledge of the different types of pond habitats during a training course delivered by TCV at Clayton Vale nature reserve. During the half day training course, they learnt about the many different styles of ponds and how each one has its own role to play in the landscape for increasing biodiversity.

Building on this knowledge, Supervisor Leah then participated in specific excavator training for pond creation by Norden Agricultural and gained her excavator license. Not long after, the team were able to put their new knowledge into practice, creating seven ponds in the Irwell Catchment as part of the Ponds for Farms project.

These ponds form part of wider efforts to improve water management and biodiversity across the catchment, while also helping to slow the flow of water during periods of heavy rainfall, a priority for the Irwell Catchment Partnership, which is coordinated by Groundwork.

Later this year, another member of our team will undertake training to enhance their knowledge of riverbank habitat surveying. During the programme they will learn more about the morphology of riverbanks, what ecology different types support best and the different management practices needed. This will strengthen our ability to deliver future projects involving natural flood management, habitat improvement and river corridor restoration.

By continuing to invest in skills development, we are ensuring our teams are prepared to deliver greener, more resilient landscapes that benefit both communities and the environment for years to come.