An early day motion (EDM) has been tabled by Members of Parliament calling for a debate on the decision to make cut backs at Royal Botanic Gardens Kew.

At present 27 MPs have signed the motion, which calls for a public debate on the funding cuts planned for Kew that would leave around 120 people out of work.

MPs also say that the scientific research undertaken at Kew is recognised around the world and so should be supported, with the motion saying it is important that all those connected with the gardens are properly consulted on the plans.

The EDM has gained cross party support including Labour MP Dennis Skinner, Green Party MP Caroline Lucas and the Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith, in whose constituency Kew is found.

Kew faces a shortfall in its funding from Defra of around £5 million, threatening job cuts amongst the current workforce of 750 staff.

Last month the union representing many of the workers at the gardens, the GMB, launched an online petition calling for the cuts to be reversed and which currently has more than 86,000 signatories.

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Vic 575 replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"Just had a look and it’s only the name that has changed slightly, from ‘Lift’ to ‘Lifting’.
It is also over £100 cheaper than mine was all those years ago. A genuine bargain.
Buy one now."
3 hours ago
Vic 575 replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"The Easy Lifting Harness you picture is pretty much exactly the same as mine, only with two gas struts as opposed to one. The double gas strut variant was available when I got mine but the single gas strut version was more than capable weight wise…"
3 hours ago
Kris Baker replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"Thanks Vic, Yes, definitely been swayed by your previous review. I wonder if the V3 Elephant and the new Henchman have narrowed the gap.
I could import from USA ... but I want one "tomorrow" - I'm well past retirement age and have found manhandling…"
3 hours ago
Kris Baker replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"Thanks. I have done a bit more research.
Can't seem to find the Easy Lift - their website lists 3 dealers in EU, one dead links and for the other two I can't find the product on their website. Doesn't bode well ... and seems that Henchman have given…"
3 hours ago
Vic 575 replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"Hi Kris,
No doubt you will have seen my previous contributions extolling the virtues of the Easy Lift Harness. I’ve had mine for many years now [10 to 15 years maybe]. Quite simply it is a life changing device. Why every professional Gardener does…"
4 hours ago
Geoffrey King replied to James's discussion What is average cost for mowing a garden?
"Hello Lee, i do this sort of work, in 2014 I raised my base hourly rate to £30/hr. 1.5hr @45 2hr @60 & 3hr @80 then @85 then @87.50
Last year 3hrs @95 for new customers, they said that was very reasonable this is Ryedale, North Yorks
Have charged…"
4 hours ago
Stephen r Brook-Smith replied to Stephen r Brook-Smith's discussion Please help , what is eating my lily’s!!!??
"A quick update folks , just incase anyone else comes across this problem 
it was bloody slugs!!!! "
6 hours ago
Andrew Drummond updated their profile
14 hours ago
A. Latta posted a discussion
Hi all, does anyone have advice (product recommendations) on how to keep large parking areas (gravel and or block paving areas) free of weeds without spending a small fortune on 'path clear' and suchlike?Thank you in advance 
15 hours ago
Ben Carter replied to James's discussion What is average cost for mowing a garden?
"Hi lee. 
As others have said price per job and hourly rate in your head.  You have to bear in mind equipment loading, travelling and equipment servicing which clients don't see.  
£25 is not unreasonable."
15 hours ago
Dave Colton replied to Kris Baker's discussion Hedge trimmer harness
"I use the elephant trunk and it works fine even on very heavy hedge trimmers. Not cheap but worth the money if you have a long run of cutting to do."
15 hours ago
Kris Baker posted a discussion
I would like advice on a harness please.Looking at past threads the Easy Lift seemed to be the favourite. Henchman used to sell it (Google still links to the Henchman page, but there isn't anything there any more)I can't find any other UK…
17 hours ago
Lee Davis replied to James's discussion What is average cost for mowing a garden?
"Hmm thank you very much (and others who have commented).  Clearly need to rethink how I do things. I suppose I was trying to be transparent, but now they all trust me and know that I do a good job it's a bit different to when I first started. "
18 hours ago
Vic 575 replied to James's discussion What is average cost for mowing a garden?
"As stated above, price per job and definitely not an hourly rate. Any hourly rate is only kept in your own head [and never shared with the client] in order for you to calculate the price for the job.
Price per job is far better for the client. It…"
19 hours ago
Peter sellers replied to James's discussion What is average cost for mowing a garden?
"All our work both domestic and commercial is price and has been since starting 40 years ago and is all regular maintenance
We work out the time needed per visit to do the work requested and then multiply by our charge eg one visit of one hour per…"
19 hours ago
Peter sellers replied to Lee Davis's discussion New mower time!
"There"s 3 settings it was probably on lowest"
19 hours ago
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