IPM becomes first in the UK to complete Lantra approved Biodiversity Course

IPM Facilities is proud to share that our grounds maintenance teams became the first in the UK to complete the Lantra approved Introduction to Biodiversity course.

This achievement sets a new standard for practical environmental training within the grounds maintenance sector and reinforces our commitment to responsible, purposeful service. Delivered by Wildbloom and led by John Beavan MHort (RHS), the course provided a structured and hands on introduction to biodiversity principles and field application.

Our Harwell Innovation Campus team first undertook the training shortly after joining IPM in September, demonstrating immediate alignment with our commitment to raising standards through knowledge, care and accountability.

Expanding biodiversity knowledge across IPM teams

Following the success of the initial session, IPM has now rolled the training out across the business. Teams from Arlington Business Park, our Wales mobile teams and Operations Managers have since completed the course, with further sessions already scheduled.

It has been great to see teams from across the business come together, sharing ideas and exploring how ecological solutions could work at each of their sites. These sessions have encouraged collaboration, sparked creative thinking, and motivated colleagues to champion biodiversity initiatives in their day-to-day work.

This is not a one-off achievement. It marks the beginning of a wider programme to embed biodiversity awareness and practical skills throughout our operations. By equipping teams with the knowledge and confidence to act, we are ensuring that environmental care is integrated into everything we do.

Turning insight into measurable impact

The course covered:

• Biodiversity and why it matters

• Habitat and species identification

• Taxonomy and ecological classifications

• Field observation techniques

• Data recording and digital tools

  
  

Practical field surveying formed a core part of the day, equipping teams with the skills to recognise habitats, identify species and record ecological data accurately. This ensures that biodiversity is not treated as a concept, but as something measurable, reportable and actively improved across the estates we manage.

By using publicly available tools, such as iNaturalist and Merlin, the teams were able to gain valuable insight into the parks diverse range of species across its woodland, wetland and urban habitats. With these recordings our team will then be able to track activity and improve habitats to accommodate an ever changing landscape environment.

"Being the first team in the UK to complete this course is something we’re really proud of. It shows our ongoing commitment to responsible practices and to learning more about ESG and biodiversity. By expanding our team’s knowledge, we can make an even bigger positive impact for our clients, local communities, and the environment." Dave Taylor, Chief Operating Officer.

Leading the way in purposeful biodiversity

As biodiversity expectations grow across the UK, clients require partners who understand how to recognise, record and enhance ecological value within their landscapes.

IPM are a Lantra Approved Training Provider, so we understand the value that accredited learning brings to the landscape and horticulture industry. Structured, quality assured training ensures that environmental knowledge is not assumed but assessed and applied correctly in practice.

By becoming the first in the UK to complete this Lantra approved course and then rolling it out across multiple teams, IPM is strengthening its ability to:

• Identify opportunities to enhance habitat quality

• Support biodiversity net gain objectives

• Provide accurate environmental reporting

• Align operational delivery with ESG commitments

• Educate clients on practical biodiversity improvements

Through structured training, practical application and company wide engagement, IPM is setting the standard for purposeful biodiversity management across the grounds maintenance sector.