importance of Acts including the Weeds Act 1959. Planting for biodiversity is an area you should familiarise yourself with and you should be able to discuss how plantings within a garden can help support an increase in biodiversity and how this impacts the wider environment. The ecosystems within a site, from shade to undergrowth and low-growing plants to tall trees, and their relationships within a site should be understood, along with the potential for biodiversity and the provision of habits by all of these. Wildflower meadows in particular can be a place where biodiversity is increased, and you should have a good understanding of the species used and what meadows provide in terms of wildlife habitat, biodiversity, and what services they provide within the ecosystem. The role of botanic gardens, and seed banks should be understood and how conservation works in horticultural settings. The plant choices within a garden and their usefulness in terms of supporting biodiversity should be understood – choosing simple flowers, for example, over complex, double flowerheaded varieties. Community groups including the Woodland Trust, RHS, Orchard Project, Plantlife, and others should be understood in terms of their roles in conservation and biodiversity. The impact of climate change is a major topic and one that is important to understand. You should be able to discuss the impact climate change is likely to have on UK horticulture – pollinators moving north, some UK crops not doing so well, growers needing to look at other habitats and select plants and crops
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