New funding to support young horticultural talent in the UK

DIDCOT, UK: The British Protected Ornamentals Association (BPOA) and Peter Seabrook continue this year to offer young horticulturists a £1,000 bursary to support the study of commercial horticulture and encourage new entrants to the industry.

The bursary, which is part of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season, is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments.

A number of students have benefitted from this award in recent years.

Earlier this year, it was awarded to Argyll College UHI to support a field trip for its HNC and HND Horticulture students. The trip was to be taken in 2020; now due to the Covid19 pandemic it has been necessarily delayed and will take place in 2021. The students plan to visit commercial ornamental producers to get hands on experience of working at a nursery. Amber Crowley, Curriculum Development Officer – Horticulture at Argyll College UHI, said: “Visiting leading horticultural establishments will give the students some insight into this industry sector which they otherwise might not experience. This will be an invaluable experience for the students.”

James Pike, a grower at Hortico Plant Centre in Pinkney, Sherson won a bursary in 2019 while studying as a mature student at Wiltshire College & University Centre in Lackham. He said: “Receiving this award was fantastic news. Going back to college as an adult after having worked in horticulture for over ten years was a great experience and the DCF scholarship really helped take the financial pressure off too.”

Gabor Lukoviczki .

Gabor Lukoviczki (pictured) a grower at Lovania Nurseries won in 2018 while studying at Myerscough College. He said, “My training is really important to me as it is helping me become a better grower and opening up opportunities for further development. I recommend other keen horticulturists to apply.”

Connor Deacon won in 2017 while studying for a BSc International Horticulture at Nottingham Trent University. He said: “This award has helped in a number of areas; from general student bills, as well as allowing me to participate in a number of events, further my education and broaden my knowledge.”

Scholarship season is open until 31 January 2021. There are six scholarships available and to enter applicants simply need to complete an application form which they can do online.

Colleges and garden businesses are encouraged to get on board and get their horticulture students to apply.

To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk