Ep. 10 What Excellence Looks Like in Landscaping | BALI Awards, Collaboration and the Future of the Industry

What does excellence really look like in the landscaping industry? In this episode of Dig Deep, we sit down with Nick Coslett, long-time industry figure, BALI Awards judge and Chair of the BALI Chalk Fund, to explore how quality, collaboration and industry leadership shape the landscapes we create. Nick offers a rare behind-the-scenes insight into the BALI National Landscape Awards judging process. From visiting projects on site to meeting the designers, contractors and clients behind them, he explains why the best schemes are about far more than what appears in a submission form. We discuss why collaboration across the industry has become increasingly important, how award-winning projects are judged, and why taking the time to reflect on completed work matters in such a fast-moving sector. The conversation also explores the work of the BALI Chalk Fund, which supports students and colleges across the UK by funding training, competitions and vocational qualifications that help address the industry’s skills shortage. Nick also shares his perspective on the changing workforce in landscaping, the growing number of career changers entering the sector, and why landscaping offers a wide range of career paths — from horticulture and design to ecology and environmental management. It’s a thoughtful conversation about excellence, collaboration and the people shaping the future of landscaping. In this episode we discuss: • How the BALI Awards judging process works • Why collaboration is key to successful landscape projects • The story behind some standout award-winning schemes • How the BALI Chalk Fund supports students and colleges • Tackling skills shortages in the landscaping industry • Why landscaping offers diverse and rewarding careers Episode partners 🌱 GoLandscape – inspiring the next generation of landscapers https://golandscape.co.uk/ 🧰 STIHL UK – trusted tools for landscaping professionals https://www.stihl.co.uk/ Dig Deep is a podcast from the British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI).