The UK’s Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) membership hits 500 – with three new additions

The UK’s Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) are delighted to have reached a current membership list of 500, with Jordan Weston, aka the Bearded Botanist, taking them over the line.

Like most new recruits, Jordan joined YPHA to expand his network. He said, “I am so glad I came across this group of young, like-minded horticulturalists and have been welcomed with open arms. It’s such an exciting time to be part of the horticultural industry, and I’m looking forward to sharing this time with the members, getting to know them, sharing knowledge, and hopefully meeting up at various events throughout the year.”

Founded in January 2020, YPHA unites 35 and under who work or train anywhere under the banner of horticulture. The group was started by Mollie Higginson, Liam Cleary and Natalie Porter, with Abigail Stocker, Lilidh Matthews, Kyle Ross, and Sarah Want joining the committee in the following years.

So far in 2023, the association has welcomed new members and expanded its committee, with the previously seven-strong team now joined by Jeremy Costello, marketing manager at Farplants. Jeremy takes on the role of strategy manager and will help shape longer-term plans for YPHA, building upon the solid foundations already established to ensure the association continues to grow and can make as much progress as possible for all of horticulture.

Also stepping up to the committee is Megan Warren-Davis, from Walberton Nursery, who has become the social media manager. Megan will support the quality of content and continuity of messaging for YPHA across all their social media platforms and keep members up to date with relevant news.

Lastly, John Tallis, owner of Outdoor Living Gardens, reinforces the new structure. With his passion and experience in the landscaping sector, bringing another fresh perspective to the committee, John will primarily support events and future projects around training and education.

New committee member Megan Warren-Davis expressed her excitement for her new role: “From a seasonal worker to a permanent horticultural assistant, I have always had a passion for plants. However, what truly made me stay in an industry that I was so new to, was the sense of camaraderie I found among other young people at the nursery. That’s why I was enthusiastic about joining YPHA, which brings together horticultural newcomers and those who may feel overlooked and creates chances for them to connect with experts and each other.”

My goal is to help foster the supportive community that YPHA has created, which offers career opportunities and educational talks and contributes to making horticulture a fun and fulfilling field to be a part of.”