The launch of the Amenity Standard comes amid rising public and political interest in methods used for managing growth in parks, along pathways, and in other public spaces. The focus of concern is on the use of chemical products, and their potential impact on human health.

The new assurance scheme from The Amenity Forum – the registered charity dedicated to promoting safe and sustainable practices – will grant a badge of confidence to operators who can demonstrate that their products and processes are safe, and meet legal requirements.

“It is basically going to be the Red Tractor of our industry, to show that we know what we are talking about,” said Keith Gallacher, referring to the logo issued by Assured Food Standards to show that products have been treated with high quality throughout the food chain.

Keith is director and owner of the south-west and south-east Scotland franchises of Complete Weed Control, which provides ground maintenance and weed control along highways, construction sites, parks and other public areas throughout the Central Belt.

While chemicals remain the most cost-effective way to control weeds, Keith said the Amenity Standard will ensure that anyone holding this endorsement is familiar with the alternatives, and where these should be used. This will help to safeguard public health while also protecting the dwindling arsenal of pesticides available.

A member of The Amenity Forum for the past five years, Complete Weed Control has already qualified for the new professional standards.

“We already strive to be the best at what we do, so this will be another string in our bow,” he said.

The Amenity Standard is a voluntary UK-wide development to promote best practice across the sector. The focus is on integrated approaches that balance chemical and non-chemical methods to get the desired outcomes with minimal environmental impact.

The initiative has been formally recognised by government and will be officially launched in Scotland on February 4. The Edinburgh event will be opened by MSP Mairi Gougeon, Scotland’s minister for rural affairs and the natural environment.