An innovative on-line course leading to the new Certificate in Water Conservation will help horticulture industry professionals demonstrate high standards of sustainable, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective use of water.

The horticultural and water industries have jointly developed an online course in landscape water efficiency aimed at landscape contractors, gardeners, designers and groundkeepers. For the first time, 15 organisations in the horticulture and water industries have combined resources and expertise to help horticultural staff recognise and implement best practice in landscape water efficiency.

Through four client-focused, modules the hour-long e-learning course provides horticultural professionals with the knowledge to plan, build, establish and maintain grounds, landscapes and sites in ways that conserve water and manage it sustainably. 

By combining horticultural knowledge and skills with realistic scenarios of commercial horticultural practice and the insight of the water supply industry, horticultural staff and volunteers will be able to incorporate profitable water efficient practices within their businesses, and, importantly, commit to industry codes of practice.

The highly interactive and visual course is based on realistic scenarios that will enable staff to recognise the need to be water efficient and apply water efficient practices throughout the contract lifecycle of landscape and sports ground projects.

The fifteen organisations involved in the initiative are:

Water Sector: Affinity Water, Anglian Water, East Water, Southern Water, Sutton and East Surrey Water, Thames Water,  Water UK, Waterwise

Amenity Horticulture Organisations:Association of Professional Landscapers , British Association of Landscape Industries, Horticultural Trades Association, Institute of Groundsmanship, Royal Horticultural Society,  Society of Garden Designers ,Turfgrass Growers Association

Jacob Tompkins, Managing Director of Waterwise said:

“Since the drought in 2012 water companies and horticulturalists have been working closely together to develop this excellent course. This means horticulturalists will be able to demonstrate their expertise in water management and deliver beautiful practical landscapes that enhance water resources and the natural environment.”

The course, which launched yesterday,  can be accessed via www.htalearning.org.uk