Co-ordinate the management of planted areas

This standard is for those who co-ordinate the management of planted areas.  This will include the management of plant communities once they have been established. The areas may have been created by planting or by natural regeneration and could include woodlands, orchards, parks, grounds, gardens or wildlife habitats.

If you are working with chemicals or machinery you should be trained and hold relevant certification in line with relevant legislation.

You will require technical knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to plants, habitats and competing demands on land use and management. Those implementing the plan might include direct labour, contractors or volunteers.

You must carry out your work in a way which will minimise the impact on the natural environment and enhance its nature, conservation and recreational value.

1. check the plans and specifications for details of the required work to manage planted areas 2. assess the risks associated with the site and the required activity 3. co-ordinate an environmental assessment of the site before starting work 4. co-ordinate the establishment of working methods for managing planted areas and confirm that it is clearly communicated to all those involved in, or affected by, your work 5. identify and establish the availability of resources required for the work  6. check that equipment is used and maintained in a safe and correct condition  7. co-ordinate the processing of recycling or disposal of waste in accordance with relevant legal and organisational practices 8. co-ordinate the required management activities for planted areas and confirm that they are carried out in accordance with instructions and specifications 9. monitor the management of the planted areas at suitable intervals to assess condition of plants and adherence to the plan 10. take appropriate action when monitoring reveals problems 11. maintain communication with colleagues and others involved in, or affected by, your work  12. confirm that relevant environmental and health and safety policies and risk assessment requirements are put into practice across your area of responsibility 13. confirm that records are maintained and stored as required by relevant legislation and the organisation

1. how to identify hazards and assess risks  2. the importance of co-ordinating an environmental assessment of the site before starting work and the findings which may affect proposed work 3. the importance of co-ordinating the required management activities for planted areas and confirming that the activities are completed in accordance with instructions and specifications 4. the different types of planted area and their differing needs for management  5. the potential consequences of poor management of planted areas 6. the potential impact of management activities on the surrounding area and environment  7. the timescales for carrying out different management activities 8. the types of equipment required for the management of planted areas and how-to co-ordinate its’ use 9. the importance of confirming that the required equipment is used and maintained safely and correctly and stored securely 10. the safe and correct use of resources when carrying out the management of planted areas 11. the relevant legal and organisational requirements for the handling, transporting and disposal of waste 12. stages of plant development 13. the control methods which can be used for pest, disease and weed control when co-ordinating the management of planted areas 14. the requirements for nutrients and moisture and how these can be adjusted to promote plant health 15. methods of assessing soil condition and nutritional status  16. the symptoms of nutritional deficiency 17. the effects of the macro and main micro nutrients on plant health and growth 18. the effects of pollutants, climatic conditions and soil/water relations on plant growth 19. the principles and methods of pruning and its effects on plant growth  20. the principles of renovating plants 21. methods of monitoring and evaluating the success of plant management  22. potential problems which may arise when co-ordinating the management of planted areas and the actions to take 23. the limits of your own ability and authority and where to seek advice 24. the importance of maintaining communication with those involved in, or affected by, your work and how to do this 25. your responsibilities under relevant environmental and health and safety legislation, codes of practice and company policies 26. the records that need to be kept and the importance of completing them

A. co-ordinate the following management activities in planted areas:

(i)    pruning/trimming/training

(ii)    thinning out

(iii)    tying in

(iv)    renovation

(v)    removal

(vi)    replacement

(vii)    spraying

(viii)   weed control

(ix)    pest control

(x)    disease control

(xi)    feeding

(xii)    mulching

(xiii)   soil amelioration

(xiv)   strimming

(xv)    mowing

B.     Monitor the following whilst managing planted areas:

(i)   quality of the results

(ii)   adherence to original purpose

(iii)   working methods and practice

(iv)   resource use

(v)   scheduling

(vi)   any remedial actions

(vii)   environmental impact

Plants include grass, woody plants, herbaceous, bedding plants and sedums, etc.

Specifications: include drawings, schedules, method statements, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and manufacturers' guidelines, organisational policies.