Blog
Check out the latest blogs from Ground Control
Biodiversity Net Gain is shifting the view that grounds maintenance is just a cost.
Grounds maintenance has spent decades being told it's a cost. Biodiversity Net Gain is changing that conversation entirely.
Winter Gritting & Maintenance: Don’t Wait – Prepare for Winter
Protect Your Business with a Proactive Winter Plan
The backbone of this industry isn't machinery or contracts. It's people.
Lisa Blakey shares her thoughts
Navigating the Future: Electric Vehicles in Fleet Management
Daniel Grix, LDE Director, explores the Business Case for Electric Fleets
Bird Nesting Season – What it means for construction, works and maintenance
Kevin Slezacek, Head of Arboriculture and Ecology, explores the subject
Maintenance tips for the festive season
Keeping sites in motion during the busiest and coldest months or the year
Stacking BNG units. Defra's genuis concept behind planning for long-term nature-recovery
Julia Baker, Technical Director, Nature Services at Mott MacDonald explains this genius concept and how it could redefine how we master plan for nature.
Growth of the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) Metric: Insights from Natural England’s Nick White
Discover how Natural England’s BNG metric may evolve. Insights from Nick White on digitisation, small sites, and the future of Biodiversity Net Gain.
The future of BNG habitat banks: How technology is transforming monitoring and delivery
Nick White from Natural England talks to Ground Control Evergreen's Emma Hindle on the role of technology in BNG
The evolving biodiversity net gain market: Insights from Evergreen
In this HortWeek Podcast, Emma Hindle, and Brian Smith discuss how the BNG market has developed since the policy took effect.
Autumn 2025: Seasonal transition and winter readiness
GC Weatherman, Peter Brown, explores what you can expect from the UK weather this autumn
Keeping your facilities summer resilient
Maintenance tips for car parks and outdoor spaces in the summer holiday season
An interview with Robyn Coyne, our Environment and Sustainability Manager
See how she aims to continue our environmental legacy
A Postive Partnership with Reside with Progress
A grounds maintenance collaboration, delivered by our fantastic field teams, helping RWP tenants.
Why the landscape industry must lead the ESG charge
In an opinion piece in HortWeek our CEO, Jason Knights, sets out a powerful call to action
Welcome to Wildfell
FMJ reports on how the Wildfell nature-recovery project in Essex is strategically restoring nature, engaging partners, and creating economic value through biodiversity net gain.
How hedgerows contribute to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Celebrating the secret powers of hedgerows for National Hedgerow Week
Pest Prevention: How to Reduce the Risk of Infestations on Your Property
James Olphin, Senior Contract Manager at Ground Control for the West Midlands, gives expert advice on ethical, proactive pest prevention.
A year to remember at Wildfell
Chris Bawtree shares highlights from an award-winning year at Wildfell
Beat the budget blues by becoming your own disruptor
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, talks to The Times on why the activity that underpins our business model should be constantly challenged
Dealing with Change
Chris Talbot, People Business Partner, shares his views on how change in the workplace can be unsettling
Up close with Utility Arboriculture
We spent the day with Ground Control’s UA South Wales team to learn more about the highly skilled profession; and career opportunities within this lucrative, often overlooked form of tree surgery.
Why losing a customer should never be a surprise
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, talks to The Times about what can help to identify a deteriorating relationship before it's too late
Preparing your business for a typical autumn
GC Weatherman, Peter Brown, explores what you can expect from the UK weather this autumn
Tackling Modern Slavery
Darren Daley gives a short reflection on our changes to tackle Modern Slavery
Pay per visit gritting could save you money this winter
In a climate of uncertain budgets and unpredictable weather, could a fixed-price contract or pay as you go winter service be the best for your business?
Pothole risk management in the UK
Griffiths & Armour, chartered insurance broker and professional business risk advisor, talks with Ground Control about pothole risk management in the UK and solutions for businesses.
Why it's important to be 'Part Of The Plan'
Chris Bawtree, Nature Recovery Director, reflects on the importance of biodiversity planning on International Day for Biological Diversity
From mild days to wild winters, we’ll get you going
Ground Control reflects on a mild but perfectly agile winter maintenance season.
Introducing Declan O’Gorman
We sat down with the new Country Director for Ireland with three simple questions
For those who are newt to it...
We explore why the Great Crested Newt (GCN) are protected and how Ground Control ecologists can support in keeping your project moving forward
The generation game: how to benefit from the talents of all ages
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, talks to The Times about embracing intergenerational digital diversity
Buying a better future: Procurement leads the way on our carbon net zero journey
Javier Roig, Senior Procurement Manager on how Ground Control aims to achieve ambitious, net-zero targets through effective supply chain management
Celebrating our apprentices
Meet Isabel Reed, Level Three Apprentice for Ground Control Highways and Infrastructure
Solving problems for customers builds enduring relationships
Director of Ground Control, Kim Morrish, explores in the Times Enterprise Network the importance of solving problems for customers, and not just selling.
Getting your message across is the key to good management
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, explores in The Times Enterprise Network how good communication is the successful receipt of the message and not simply the act of transmission.
Setting the scene for frost-free festivities
Protecting your grounds and car parks during the coldest months of the year
Working Together for Good
Daniel Grix, Landscape, Design & Energy Director, looks back at his first three months.
National Tree Week – Its time to grow a tree in '23!
The unseen benefits that trees bring us, as part of our National Tree Week 2023 celebrations
National Tree Week: A view from Wildfell
Chris Bawtree, Nature Recovery Director, updates us on woodland creation at Wildfell for National Tree Week
Introducing the GC weatherman
As a nation that loves discussing the weather, we bring your weather updates from our in-house meteorological expert.
Mission possible: Ground Control’s quest for net zero
Sophie Stephens, Head of Environment & Sustainability introduces our new net zero target and plans to achieve it.
Blake Grounds Services - A transition to electric tools
We spoke with the Ground Control field team to hear about their transition to electric tools.
Why decarbonise?
Ross Wilkinson explores what decarbonisation means and the key reasons for your business to begin this process
Keeping customer experience hot, when the weather is not
Winter Maintenance Head of Client Services, Ana Mantovani on how an outside-in approach that listens, adapts, and continuously improves, is what keeps our customers coming back for more.
Introducing Zero Emission Gardening
London's Sustainable Gardening Specialists and Ground Control Field Team
National Badger Day at Wildfell
Our ecology team share a badger update from our Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery, and why badgers are important for a healthy ecosystem.
In uncertain times like these it is vital that businesses stay agile
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, talks with The Times Enterprise Network about how Ground Control is staying agile as a business
Three ways to be more profitable when margins are tight
Kim Morrish, Director of Ground Control explores in the Times Enterprise Network how to remain profitable with rocketing prices and rising competition
Ground Control included in the E2E Job Creation 100 Track in association with The Independent
Celebrating entrepreneurs and founders from UK-based companies that are excelling, presenting consistent growth and presenting disruptive business strategies
The Essex Climate Focus Area
A ground-breaking initiative led by Essex County Council to improve the county’s resilience to climate change.
Fields of Dreams: Understanding Meadows
Plantlife's #NationalMeadowsDay this year celebrates the value of our local biodiverse grasslands, including meadows
We have choices: Reflecting on a back garden ecosystem
An insight guest blog from Ian Dunn, CEO, Plantlife, using his lawn, to demonstrate that we have choices.
Matt Goddard, Head of Design at Ground Control, takes to the NetZero stage at Utility Week Live
Joining an expert panel debate on “Creating more opportunities for nature-based solutions”
Taking action with EV for cleaner air
We spoke with Tom Goodman, Technical Director, Energy & Decarbonisation, to find out why are Electric Vehicles part of the solution to cleaner air
Regrets, I’ve had a few and now it’s time to embrace them
Director of Ground Control, Kim Morrish talks with the Times Enterprise Network about how daily reflections and learning translate to business
Cold snaps test our mettle
Reflecting on winter resilience and upping our game when the temperature drops
UK Pollinators: The Butterflies and the Bees
The issues faced by pollinators and what can be achieved on-site to support them.
Invasive Weeds: A growing concern
We caught up with Contract Manager, Chris May to understand the issues that Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed can cause
Seeing the wood for the trees: The importance of forests
We explore forests, why people should care, and their importance for #InternationalDayOfForests
Making the world inclusive for people suffering from post-natal depression
Tamae Isomura explores the impact of landscape design on those suffering from post-natal depression in ‘Landscape’
Please take a chance, but make sure you first calculate the risk
Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, Martin Leuw, talks with The Times Enterprise Network discussing the benefits that taking and committing to risks can have on a business
Take it or leave it: Understanding leaf litter
We spoke with National Operations Director, Marc Wilkinson to understand how Ground Control can help and support the issue of leaf litter.
World Wetlands Day 2023
How our friends at the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust are marking World Wetlands Day 2023
The restoration of Wetlands
We explore wetlands, their risks and their importance for #WorldWetlandsDay
Protecting nature helps your bottom line as well as the environment
Director of Ground Control, Kim Morrish talks with the Times Enterprise Network
Time is of the essence - it's our most valuable resource
Martin Leuw, Ground Control Non-Executive Chairman, speaks with the Times Enterprise Network discussing the importance of productivity within a workforce and how to “make the boat go faster”
Community and Connectivity at Wildfell
At Wildfell, we are collaborating with a diverse group of partners to test land management practices that boost biodiversity, increase habitat diversity, and increase nature recovery network connectivity.
Nature Recovery in Action
At Wildfell we follow a comprehensive, highly disciplined nature-recovery process, stay up to date with key milestones at the Wildfell Centre for Environmental Recovery
Ground Control at Wildfell
We want to create a world-class Biodiversity Net Gain and Carbon Sequestration showcase
Simple changes to enhance biodiversity
Examples of biodiversity net gain advised and actioned by our in-house experts
Breaking news from B Corp - 1000 UK B Corps, growing together
Ground Control is proudly one of just a thousand UK businesses working collectively to create the world we want to see by tackling climate and social challenges head on
Reconciling biodiversity and profit in landscape maintenance
Jack Potter, Ground Control’s new Biodiversity Manager uses his deep understanding of the Biodiversity 3.0 metric to help our clients account for biodiversity impacts
The importance of ‘Green Spaces’ on human, nature, and health
The positive impact of green spaces and how they can boost productivity
Start with the end in mind
In the latest series for The Times, Director of Ground Control, Kim Morrish considers the press release she would draft to mark the end of her career
Keeping up our clearances
Our Winter Maintenance Operations Director, Jay Hicks, explores what resilience means to us in winter
Breaking the ice
Our Winter Maintenance Renewals and Mobilisation Manager, Jennie Brown, shares some secrets to her successful mobilisation process
Boots on the ground in your local area
Keeping you going in winter, with local know-how. By Lauren Matthew, Winter Maintenance Sales and Retention Manager
Decide how you want to make an impact - and then do it
In the latest series of The Times, Director of Ground Control, Kim Morrish, explores how businesses can maximise their positive social and environmental impact.
Fixed pricing in a climate of uncertainty
As a facilities manager or managing agent, the decision about whether to fix your winter maintenance costs could be one of the most important budgeting decisions you make this year.
Meet the new Menzi Muck
Our latest addition to the Ground Control mechanised vegetation management fleet is taking the world of arboriculture by storm.
The diplomatic challenges of chairing board meetings
In the latest of The Times articles, Martin Leuw, Chairman at Ground Control, argues that taking time to make deliberate decisions will pay off in the long run
How a Ganges guru helped me train staff better
In the latest in the Times Enterprise Network series, Martin Leuw reflects on the value of being open-minded during times of uncertainty
Is the Education Sector leading the way on Biodiversity?
Scott reflects on our company ethos and "what the education sector is doing for biodiversity education".
The five essential principles for keeping your staff on side
Simon Morrish, CEO, talks with The Times Enterprise Network about keeping staff on side throughout the duration of Ground Control's five-year plan.
How can we effectively engage residents on the green space agenda?
The pioneering Social Housing Tenants’ Jury shares learnings to help increase the power and value of green space enhancement projects
Biodiversity enhancement in action
At Ground Control we believe in integrating sustainability into our projects and have been working with clients for years to create and maintain biodiversity net gain
Rising to the ESG challenge
Blog by Tom Coulson, Sector Lead, Facilities Management and Managing Agents
5 aspects of sustainability at Waterbeach Barracks
A short review of our Phase 1 works, creating sustainable green spaces with Urban&Civic
Clearing the way for a successful winter
Enabling a successful winter season by investing and encouraging growth
Before making an offer, get into the mindset of the seller
Martin Leuw, Chairman of Ground Control, talks with the Times Enterprise Network about getting into the mind of the seller
B Corp certification can show you're A-grade
In the latest in our monthly series from the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, Kim Morrish explains why it has just become a B Corp
Over 3,000 Trees planted to create ‘OpenWood’
Marking #NationalTreeWeek, Openreach and Ground Control have partnered created ‘OpenWood’ at Old Bolingbroke in Lincolnshire
Spending on mental wellbeing is a wise investment
In the latest in The Times series with Ground Control, Kim Morrish makes the business and moral case for investing in mental health training
Human Nature: At Its Best
Managing Director, Jason Knights, talks about the launch of Human Nature: At Its Best
We must act quickly to avoid green assets being ‘overlooked’ on the journey to net zero
Sam Jones, Housing Lead at Ground Control discusses the complexities facing social landlords as they grapple to balance carbon reduction and nature’s recovery
Budget was a missed opportunity on climate change
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Simon Morrish, Chief Executive of Ground Control, argues that the chancellor should have prioritised decarbonisation.
Why does impact investing make commercial sense?
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Martin Leuw, Chairman, Ground Control, explains how he profits from ventures with a purpose.
Business pitches reveal secrets of success
Martin Leuw, Non-Executive Chairman discusses what he learnt from hearing entrepreneurs present their plans.
How to use hiring to strengthen your culture
In the second of a weekly series of columns Kim Morrish, of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, explores the highs and lows of trying to create a successful business culture
Influencing is key to chairing a private enterprise
In the third of a weekly series of columns Martin Leuw, of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, explains how he operates as a non-executive chairman
Difference makes business stronger
In the latest in a weekly series of columns Kim Morrish, Owner and Director, Ground Control, discusses how they have tried to address diversity in a traditionally white male industry
Why electric vehicles hit the spot
In the latest in a weekly series of columns published in The Times Enterprise Network, Simon Morrish shares his experience of operating more than 100 electric vehicles
Going green is good for business
In the fourth of a weekly series of columns Kim Morrish, of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, discusses how cutting carbon creates new business opportunities
Cultural fit is key to buying any business
In the fifth of a weekly series of columns, Simon Morrish, CEO of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, shares his tips on making good acquisitions
Innovative responses to Covid show us how to approach climate challenges
Kim Morrish, Director of Ground Control, tells the Times Enterprise Network how she was inspired by how other business owners adapted to the pandemic
Private equity is not always the answer
In the latest in a series of columns Simon Morrish, CEO of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control makes the case for using debt rather than equity to help grow businesses
Reaching a sales nirvana
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Martin Leuw, Chairman of Ground Control, talks about fine-tuning business development
Business productivity is rising up the boardroom agenda
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Martin Leuw, Chairman of Ground Control, shares his tips on planning and implementing new software systems
Business can be the friend, not the enemy, of biodiversity
As featured in the Times Enterprise Network, Kim Morrish, Director and owner of Ground Control, explains why the company has become a landowner
How clean energy and jobs can flow from Morocco to the UK
In the latest in our weekly series from fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, CEO Simon Morrish discusses why he is also leading an ambitious plan to deliver enough clean power for seven million British homes by the end of the decade.
Green shots of optimism
In the first of a weekly series of columns Simon Morrish, chief executive of the fast-growing outdoor maintenance firm Ground Control, explains why he remains optimistic about 2021 despite the challenges of running a £120 million turnover business
The power of pricing and planning ahead
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Martin Leuw, Chairman, Ground Control, explains the power of pricing and planning ahead.
Being the boss is personal
In the latest in a series of columns in the Times Enterprise Network, Kim Morrish, Director of Ground Control, describes the emotional commitment that business owners make
Why business is eating software
In the latest in a weekly series of columns Martin Leuw, Non-executive Chairman, Ground Control, explains why he is adopting the mindset of a technology company.
Engaging residents on the value of green space
Clarion Housing’s community garden event centred on engaging residents in nature and raising awareness of the wider value green spaces can bring
We are more prepared than ever for a colder than average winter
Ian Morehouse, Winter Maintenance Director, talks action plans for the 2020 harsh weather forecast
Not caring is not an option
Ground Control Director, Kim Morrish explains how caring for our environment is in our company's DNA
We've got you covered
Geoff Lewis, Winter Maintenance Regional Contracts Manager on how we reassure customers during unpredictable weather
Electric Vehicles: Price, confidence and availability are key to success
Insights from Andy Gray, Electric Vehicle Charging Specialist, and what makes our service work
Keeping the country moving during the winter season
Ian Morehouse, Winter Maintenance Director, reflects on the winter gritting season 2020/2021
Mitigating havoc caused by floods
Ian Cooper, Senior Contract Manager, asks should we keep building flood defences or consider low-carbon alternatives?
Securing salt supplies
Jay Hicks, Winter Maintenance Operations Director, on maintaining emergency salt supplies
Powering up - our move to battery hand tools
Graham Bird Supply Chain Director speaks on leading the way battery powered tools
Fleet Fix, the total EV charging solution
Andy Gray shares the secret to a smooth transition to electric vehicles
The frost report
Ian Morehouse, Winter Maintenance Director discusses how preparations for next winter are underway
Gamekeeper turned poacher
Karl Cunningham, Ground Control Senior Account Manager for JLL, shares insights from both customer and supplier perspectives
Every day is winter
Peter Brown, Commercial Operations Manager, tells talkRADIO how the HGV driver shortage is not a problem for Ground Control
Snow Patrol
Dan Beaumont, Weatherhill Contractors Ltd, shares a typical day in the life of a Ground Control winter maintenance operative
Mobilising for the winter
Jennie Brown, Mobilisation Manager on exceeding new clients' expectations from their winter services contracts
More than a pinch of salt
Lyndsey Burns, Winter Maintenance Key Account Manager, on how we always have enough salt, whatever the weather
Ploughing through it
George Bell, Snow Clearance Account and Process Manager is always ready for the snow
Corporate renewal comes from the disruptor within
Martin Leuw, Chairman of Ground Control, talks to The Times about the importance of championing innovation
Thinking of selling? We’ve been there
Simon Morrish, CEO of Ground Control, shares with the Times Enterprise Network, a personal account on how he previously considered selling
Succession doesn’t have to be a dysfunctional drama
In the latest series of columns in The Times, Martin Leuw, Chairman of Ground Control, looks at why business leaders often neglect succession planning