Ten students have successfully completed their training in social and therapeutic horticulture (STH) at garden therapy charity Thrive thanks to a bursary created last year in the name of the late Charles Notcutt OBE.

The Charles Notcutt Memorial Bursary was launched in January 2015 to enable five students to complete Thrive’s Award in Social and Therapeutic Horticulture.

More than 50 people applied and Thrive shortlisted ten excellent candidates – in light of that Notcutts agreed to fund all places.

This year (2017) Notcutts has agreed to fund another bursary scheme at a cost of £4,000.

Thrive is the UK’s leading authority on using STH and training people in the profession. Social and therapeutic horticulture is a process where horticultural therapists use the garden and the garden environment to build a set of tasks for the people they help;  those living with disabilities or ill health, or people who are isolated, disadvantaged or vulnerable. STH is a proven therapy which comes under the wider umbrella of green care and is now, more than ever, being widely used to help people.

Thrive helps hundreds of people each year at one of its three regional centres, or in the community, and the charity plays an important role in training people from a range of backgrounds, including health, social care and horticulture, or people who are looking for a new career.

Damien Newman, Thrive’s National training, education and consultancy manager, said: “More and more people from different backgrounds are deciding to embark upon a new career in social and therapeutic horticulture.

“We offer ‘Step into Social and Therapeutic Horticulture’ workshops that provide a great introduction and provide careers advice and connect people with opportunities to volunteer.

“And Thrive can help people who want to take their training further, or become professional horticultural therapists, to study courses that we run in collaboration with Coventry University and Pershore College.  In total around 700 people access our training programme each year.”

One bursary recipient was Lucy Burley, an occupational therapist at a Hospice in Wiltshire. She had already seen the benefits gardening can bring to patients and had embarked on a number of projects.

She said: “This award has given me the confidence to progress the use of horticulture as a therapeutic tool as part of our Live Well services. I’d now like to broaden the opportunities for gardening across the hospice to enable patients and families unable to access our community allotment to engage with gardening activities.

Samir Arslanagic from Devon works with adults in social care within a horticultural setting at The Eden Projects Nursery. He said the more he learns about STH he realises the depth of the subject and was keen to study with Thrive.

“It was great to receive the bursary and the knowledge I gained from doing the award has been invaluable and has resulted in a more considered approach to my practices and effective delivery.

“It has also enabled me to pursue my aspirations to establish an organisation that specialises in STH garden design. Completing the award along with my other studies has led me on a path towards applying for the MSc in STH at Coventry University.”

And Rebecca Clarke who works for the charity Jobs In Mind, a mental health charity based in London, co-ordinates and delivers the Urban Growth programme. She said the award has enabled her to pass on her training to a number of volunteers who dedicate their time to help her on site.

“My confidence has increased in a professional capacity and this has had a positive impact on the many individuals who attend this project who have severe and enduring mental health needs.”

Caroline Notcutt, vice chairman of Notcutts, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Thrive for the second year running. It is wonderful to see how the Charles Notcutt bursary is helping people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or living with disabilities reap the many wellbeing benefits of gardening to bring a positive change to their lives.”

Looking to the future, Damien describes horticultural therapy movement as being “on the crest of a wave” and as it continues to gain credibility as a proven, cost-effective treatment that could help vulnerable people with a range of support needs and save the NHS millions of pounds each year, it is little surprise that the interest of the medical profession has been aroused.

There are currently around 11.9 million living with a disability in the UK. In order to ensure that many more can experience the benefits of gardening for health and wellbeing, Thrive believes it is essential that a new generation of professionals and practitioners are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to offer credible, high quality therapy sessions across the UK.

Damien added: “Thrive, alongside others in Green Care, the National Gardens Scheme who recently commissioned a report by The King’s Fund; Gardens and Health: Implications for policy and practice, the Horticultural Trades Association and RHS have been promoting gardening for health and wellbeing, making connections with the medical profession and trying to get Public Health to recognise the value of Horticulture for health and wellbeing.

“More calls for doctors to ‘prescribe gardening’ mean we could see a huge demand for people who have knowledge of horticulture and have been trained to use horticulture as a therapy in the coming years.”

To apply for the bursary visit http://www.thrive.org.uk/charles-notcutt-memorial-bursary.aspx.

South African-based entrepreneur Penny Streeter OBE has acquired the 200-acre Leonardslee Gardens estate at Lower Beeding, near Horsham in West Sussex, with plans to restore and upgrade the site and open it to the public once again.

Before they were closed to public access in 2010, the landscaped woodland gardens attracted some 50,000 visitors a year. They were first planted in 1801 and are noted for the outstanding spring displays of rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and bluebells.

Visitors were also attracted by a unique doll’s house exhibition, depicting the Edwardian estate and neighbouring villages at 1/12th scale, and also a rare colony of wallabies that have grazed in the gardens for over a century.

Penny Streeter is the owner of the Benguela Collection vineyard and hospitality group. It includes the 400 acre Mannings Heath Golf Course and Wine Estate, located eight miles from Leonardslee, and Benguela Cove vineyard in South Africa, as well as four restaurants and a hotel on the Garden Route.

“We will restore the gardens to their former glory and create new facilities on site, including tea rooms and dining facilities, as a major local attraction for families, wedding groups and others. It complements our golf and entertainment facilities at Mannings Heath, where we are developing a wine destination, bringing in our wines from South Africa and cultivating on site a new 35 acre vineyard for English sparkling wine,” says Penny Streeter.

Leonardslee features a 19th-Century Italianate style house, listed Grade II for architectural merit. The gardens are listed Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. They cover 200 acres of a steep sandstone valley, in which there are a series of seven man-made ponds. The site includes two alpine glasshouses, in need of refurbishment. A rock garden near the house was built in 1890 by the well-known Victorian landscaping company James Pulham and Son.

An opening date is to be announced.

Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens, Lower Beeding, Horsham RH13 6PP.

One of the UK’s leading nurseries in Hereford has recently (July, 2017) been chosen to supply 660 bee-friendly trees to the Trees for Sacred Spaces initiative.

Wyevale Nurseries has been picked by The Conservation Foundation to provide the trees to be planted in London church yards later on in the year.

Andy Congera, Amenity & Landscape sales manager at Wyevale Nurseries, said: “We are so pleased to be supporting this initiative. We will be providing 12 different species to the project, which is also supported by the Church of England and the Mayor of London.

“The initiative is for churches in a London borough, and in the diocese of Southwark, London, Chelmsford or Rochester. Churches can help to green the capital. The trees will improve air quality and the health of London’s population and the environment, as well as supporting bees by providing pollen, nectar or resin.

“There are 660 free trees up for grabs so enough for every church in London to plant. The trees can be planted in a churchyard or they can be donated to a school, community group or other faith organisation.”

The free trees will be available between late October and late November 2017 as part of The Conservation Foundation’s Trees for Sacred Spaces project.

There are 12 different species available, which include hawthorn, bird cherry, wild cherry, whitebeam, crab apple, rowan, lime, tulip tree, Italian cypress, black mulberry, strawberry tree and yew.

David Shreeve, director of The Conservation Foundation, said: “A fifth of the capital is already covered by trees but some parts of London are short of greenery. Churches can play an important role in helping to make their area look and feel better by working with their communities to plant trees. All the trees available will benefit London’s landscape and atmosphere as well as support the capital’s pollinators.”

People are able to select the species they want to plant and request any number of trees – availability permitting.

To take part in the project and receive free bee-friendly trees, please complete a short registration form via www.conservationfoundation.co.uk/trees/ before July 31, 2017.

Before registering people are advised to make sure they have an appropriated planting site. Guidance to help people find a suitable site is available via the website. There is also more information on the 12 tree species available.

The product selection available from Wyevale Nurseries is enviable across the industry and the talented team regularly introduces new, award-winning plant varieties.

Its main business is to supply garden centres, landscape contractors, local authorities, foresters and landowners with a comprehensive array of trees, shrubs, hedging, herbaceous and specimen plants.

For further details about Wyevale Nurseries, which is based in Hereford, please call 01432 845 200, visit www.wyevalenurseries.co.uk, follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/WyevaleNurs or log on to www.facebook.com/WyevaleNurs.

Fast expanding Nurture Landscapes has secured its fifth acquisition in 12 months with the purchase of the landscape maintenance operations of Bedfordshire-based Frosts Group. The acquisition increases Nurture’s turnover to £35 million and staff numbers to more than 500.

Frosts landscape maintenance business has annual sales approaching £4m and includes the provision of office plant displays and Christmas trees. The 70 plus staff and contracts will transfer to Nurture on 1 August along with Frosts divisional director Darrell Hedden.

Major clients transferring include Milton Park and Abingdon Business Park both near Abingdon, ISIS Reach in Kent, Upton Way residential development in Northampton, The Building Research Establishment in Watford and Bedfordshire University.

Most contracts will be managed out of a new office/depot near Frosts base at Woburn Sands under Nurture midlands director Gordon Whyte. Others will be serviced from one of Nurture’s local regional offices across the country.

Managing director of Nurture, Peter Fane, commented: “The acquisition offers great synergy with our business and we anticipate a seamless integration. In Oxfordshire, for instance, we already work at Bicester Village and Oxford Business Park, so Milton Park and Abingdon Business Park fit right into the centre. I am delighted to welcome all the Frost employees to the Nurture family.”

James Frost, the third generation of his family to manage Frosts Group added: “Nurture is the perfect home for the landscape maintenance business and I have no doubt that the staff and clients are in excellent hands. This move allows us to focus on our core construction and garden centre operations where we will continue to build on our 80 year reputation.”

To ensure Bobcat and its customers are competitive in the Utility and Budget Priced zero turn market Bobcat have introduced the XRZ & XRZ Pro models.

Built for lawn mowing professionals who put affordability high on their shopping list without compromising quality. Price range XRZ- £6800-7150. XRZ Pro £7350-7800. ROPS £338. All plus vat.

Equipped with 22″ rear Drive Wheels for a smooth ride over undulating terrain also giving increased traction on slopes and overall stability. Available in deck sizes 48″,52″ and 61″ there is a model for most needs. Adjustable deck from the sitting position with cutting heights from one and a half inch to four and a half inch.

Powered by reliable Kawasaki FR engines with Hydro Gear ZT3100 Transaxles that allow operators to mow at groundspeeds of up to 8 mph, coupled with a large 6 gallon fuel tank the XRZ has plenty of cutting hours in the tank. With operator comfort a priority some models are equipped with a premium high back elastomeric vibration control (EVC) seat to ease out the vibrations on undulating terrain.

For a demonstration call the UK Importer Henry H Sheach Ltd on 01592 652262 or e mail at info@henrysheach.co.uk for name of your nearest Dealer.

July 14 – 23 marks Love Parks Week across the UK. East Cambridgeshire District Council is celebrating Love Parks week by unveiling an exciting addition to the play area at Ely Country Park.

To support the Keep Britain Tidy’s campaign, the council is encouraging residents to get out and enjoy the open spaces and see what their parks have to offer.

Ely Country Park is welcoming its newest addition of play equipment. Work is currently underway on the new multi-play ship and is expected to open during Love Parks Week.

There have also been two walks created to allow people to explore the city. These circular walks which are 1.1 and 1.6 miles long, encompass Jubilee Gardens, Ely Country Park and Ely Park. Information on the walks will be available online, within leaflet holders at Ely Country Park, and at the Tourist Information Centre.

When asked about the campaign, councillor David Ambrose Smith said: “Love Parks Week is a fantastic opportunity to get residents out and about exploring the best of East Cambridgeshire. We’re very excited to be marking the week with the big reveal of our multi-play ship and hope that this, alongside our suggested walking routes will encourage children and adults to make the most of their local area.”

Residents can be part of Love Parks Week by simply visiting their local park, taking a photo and sharing the reason why they love their park on social media by using the hashtag #LoveParks.

The construction of the Bermondsey Dive Under, a new railway junction to the east of London Bridge station, has increased biodiversity in the urban area of Bermondsey by 113%, winning the team a coveted CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ award of 96.6%.

The Bermondsey Dive Under, part of the Thameslink Programme, is a joint project by Network Rail and partners Skanska and Ramboll to untangle the tracks approaching London Bridge station. Before it was built, train lines to Sussex and Kent criss-crossed over each other at a series of flat junctions, causing delays and limiting the number of trains that could travel per hour. The junction will allow designated lines for Southeastern trains to Kent and Southern trains to Sussex to ‘dive under’ new Thameslink lines from January 2018, reducing delays and increasing reliability for passengers.

The Thameslink Programme, part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan, is committed to increasing net positive biodiversity on its projects. Prior to the beginning of construction in 2012, the Bermondsey site had limited botanical diversity and low conservation value; it was scattered with the previous tenant’s debris and the soil was heavily contaminated with asbestos, Japanese Knotweed and hydrocarbons.

The project removed over 21,900 tonnes of contaminated material and eradicated the Japanese Knotweed. To increase biodiversity, wildflower planting and green walls were installed to offset vegetation lost in the process of removing the contaminated soils. The project installed 765m² of green walls under arches and access ramps and planted wildflowers on the railway embankments to create green corridors and stepping stones to the wider area, leaving a fantastic legacy both environmentally and aesthetically for the local community. The team also carried out extensive community engagement, including upgrading the garden in the Lewisham Community Centre, refurbishing a youth club in a local church and volunteering on the XLP youth charity bus.

Gerardo Austria, consents & sustainability manager, Network Rail, said: “On the Thameslink Programme, we continuously strive to improve upon sustainable excellence. The fantastic score of 96.6% is the result of our collaborative way of working to not only protect but enhance the environment and the community whilst delivering this complex project”.

Charl de Kock, project manager, Skanska, said: “It is great to receive such a high level of recognition from CEEQUAL for this complex and challenging project. We were able to achieve this excellent CEEQUAL score due to us embedding a sustainable approach from the design stage through to the delivery of the project. This success is testament to the commitment to sustainability from our client, Network Rail, our design partner, Ramboll, and all our other contracting partners and supply chain. I would like to thank everyone involved with delivering this very successful project.”

This Bermondsey Dive Under project award is the latest CEEQUAL achievement for the Thameslink Programme, building on an impressive achievement history:

• London Bridge station redevelopment – Whole Team Award, Excellent (94.2%)
• Blackfriars Bridge and Station redevelopment – Whole Project Award, Excellent (92.4%)
• The Farringdon station redevelopment – Whole Project Award, Excellent (90.3%)
• Borough Viaduct – Whole Project Award, Excellent (88.9%)
• Tanners Hill Flydown – Whole Project Award, Excellent (77.7%)

The first line through the Dive Under entered into service in December 2016 and two new lines, dedicated to Southeastern services, will come into passenger use in August 2017. In order to bring these new lines into service and continue rebuilding London Bridge, there will be closures and changes to Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink services between Saturday 26 August and Saturday 2 September. During this time, there will be no Southeastern trains to or from Charing Cross, Waterloo East and London Bridge for eight days; trains will be directed to alternative London stations and those that do run will be extremely busy. Passengers are strongly advised to check before they travel and visit www.ThameslinkProgramme.co.uk/2017 for detailed travel advice.

Green-tree’s intensive roof garden substrate and gtRoofdrain has recently been installed in the prestigious London development of Four Pancras Square.

Four Pancras Square is a Grade A office building located to the North of the existing King’s Cross railway station, on the new Pancras Square. The 170,000 sq ft ten floor building is the final part of a two million sq ft cluster of nine office buildings south of Regent’s Canal.

The landscaping work was undertaken by Kent-based landscape contractor Willerby Landscapes and Green-tech supplied them its own brand Green-tree Roof Garden intensive substrate for the roof top containerised planting scheme. The substrate was ideal for the project due to its lightweight texture and good water-holding capacity which ensures healthy plant establishment in harsh rooftop environments.

gt Roofdrain was also incorporated into the project; this forms a lightweight high performance drainage layer, allowing collection and storage of water to irrigate plants during drier periods.

Green-tech’s head of sales, Richard Gill commented: “We are always delighted to work with Willerby Landscapes and this was a great project to be involved with. Green-tree Green Roof Substrates are the go-to products for roof garden projects due to the lightweight and workable properties of the product along with Green-tech’s ability to deliver to more challenging city locations. Green-tree Roof Garden Substrates have been used on a number of high profile projects across the country and have received great praise from architects and contractors.”

• 4-stroke MM4 back-pack blower, lighter with great performance
• 4-stroke MM4 line trimmer with spring-assisted recoil starter
• 4-stroke mulching lawn mower cuts close to walls with offset blade
• 18v grass shear with hedge trimmer attachment

Four new machines have been introduced to Makita’s outstanding range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care equipment with the latest 4-stroke MM4 engine technology at the heart of two of them. The power and performance of the Makita MM4 engine, which delivers more horsepower, torque and reliability is coupled with ultra-low running costs, low noise and low vibrations while reduced fuel consumption, together make a valuable contribution to Makita’s sustainability and environmental policies.

The new Makita EB5300TH Back-Pack Blower is a refined version of the 75cc machine designed for maintenance contractors, major property owners and tool hire operations. Powered by a 52.5 cc version of the advanced MM4 engine this blower is lighter at 8.9 kg when dry, and delivers 15m³/minute maximum air flow volume with a maximum velocity of 82metres/second. This performance is ample for all leaf management operations but reduces the “arm strength” required to control the direction of the nozzle during a full days work. Lighter weight, better air control, longer run time – all positive attributes.

The engine is separated from the frame by four isolating damper springs ensuring vibration is greatly reduced allowing longer run time and greater operator protection. The fully padded back-pack harness adds to operator comfort. The telescopic pipe and nozzle is adjustable to the operator’s height and protection from static electric shock is achieved with ample insulation distance between the grip and nozzle.

This high-spec model has an anti-icing valve which prevents icing up in cold conditions and is compliant with EPA Phase 2 and EU Stage 2 exhaust regulations. The Makita EB3300TH Back-Pack blower has a convenient carry handle for easy transport.

The new 25.4cc EM2654LH 4-stroke (MM4) 1.1hp Linetrimmer effectively replaces its predecessor, the popular EM2651LH model. This compact and lightweight machine features a new spring-assisted recoil starter, with mechanical decompression, and a multi-position lubrication system that enables the engine to be inclined to any angle, even during continuous operation. A rigid aluminium clutch case reduces vibration while an ergonomically designed loop handle ensures improved operator comfort. The guard is suitable for both metal blade and nylon line head. The well positioned oil filling port and drain plug are easily accessible with an oil level window for easy checking and replacing of oil.

The new Makita 163cc Mulching Lawn Mower, the PLM5121N2, is a walk-behind model that has a 51cm cutting width and a single-lever cutting height adjustment with up to five positions, between 25–70mm, to achieve a spectacular, manicured lawn. It is powered by the new 4-stroke Briggs & Stratton 675 Exi ReadyStart engine system that requires no priming or choking. The single speed drive to the large rear wheels, designed for easy movement on uneven terrain, is controlled by the flat lift up operator control adjacent to the ergonomically designed handle and engine run control lever for easy manoeuvring. Wheels have built-in ball bearings for additional durability.

In addition to the 2-in-1 mulching feature for side-discharge and healthier lawns, this lightweight, 31.0kg mower is able to cut close to walls, and around obstacles, by an offset blade position while a plastic front cover protects the steel deck. The 4-stroke engine requires no fuel mix, has low noise, emissions and running costs, and is designed for lawns up to 1,800m².

The new 18v UM603D Grass Shear G-Series will be everyone’s favourite – fast, powerful and handy – and is now available with a hedge trimmer attachment that has a tool-less blade change. The shear has a double blade action; a cutting width of 160mm, and 3-stage cutting height adjustment from 15–25mm for really fine trimming such as topiary. With an ergonomically designed soft grip handle and light in weight at just 1.5kg, user comfort is guaranteed while low noise emissions for ‘Sunday morning quiet time’ will keep neighbours happy. This model is compatible only with a Makita G-Series battery, and is available as a body only option with hedge trimmer attachment.

The Makita range of outdoor maintenance and grounds care tools continues to expand with tools and innovative systems that are designed for professional users and keen gardeners everywhere.

For more news and product information about Makita UK please visit www.makitauk.com.  Follow us on Twitter @MakitaUK, Facebook.com/makitauk and google.com/+makitauk

The Parks Trust, the self-financing charity that manages and maintains over 6,000 acres of Milton Keynes’ green space, has published its Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2016-17.

These show the charity has continued to strengthen its financial position, largely due to the success of its commercial property and investments. This has enabled the Trust to continue to manage the parks, woodlands and lakes across the city to a high standard and to invest in new facilities in the parks. The Parks Trust is also getting closer to achieving its objective of long term financially sustainability.

David Foster, chief executive, commented: “When looking at our financial performance it is important to remember that we are entirely self-financing and receive no money from the government or council tax; all our work is funded through our commercial property, our investments and various enterprises on our parkland including the leisure activities at Willen Lake, cricket bat willows and our farming.

“This is why our target of becoming financially sustainable is so important if we are to continue to be able to manage, maintain and improve the city’s green spaces while weathering any financial storms that may come our way in future.”

The report and statements were presented at The Parks Trust’s annual public meeting, which was held at Campbell Park Pavilion, the Trust’s head office, attended by around 100 people.

This meeting gave residents and stakeholders the opportunity to find out about what The Parks Trust does as a charity, while giving them a platform to feedback and ask any questions they may have.

Presentations were made by David Foster; Richard Forman, chairman; and Julie Dawes, events & community engagement manager. These reflected on the achievements of the last year and provided insight into what the Trust has planned for 2017/18 and beyond.

David added: “Our Annual Public Meeting is a key event for us as it is the way we account to the people of Milton Keynes. The parks, lakes, woods and landscapes are such a significant part of the fabric of Milton Keynes.  The green space continues to play a vital part in the success of the city, both culturally and economically and it is really important to us that people have confidence in the way we are managing them and in the Trust.

“This is particularly important when you consider the large-scale investments that are currently being made into our green spaces, with Willen Lake partway through a multi-million-pound improvement programme, and projects shortly due to commence at Furzton Lake and Campbell Park.

“We are dedicated to ensuring the parks of Milton Keynes can be enjoyed by all, both now and in the future, and this would not be possible without the hard work of our staff, volunteers and trustees; we would like to take this opportunity to thank them for all they do.”

Questions raised by the public at the meeting included those about the role of the Trust in the new green space being provided in the expansion areas, which David Foster said continued to be somewhat unsatisfactory: “With the really good developers we are very involved and there is a coherent and sensible process for the design, implementation and transfer of new green space.

“But in some areas the landscape is being dealt with as an after-thought and this leads to travesties, such as some of the lovely old agricultural hedges in the Western Expansion Area being sold off piecemeal to individual housebuilders who are proposing to set up local management companies that will impose an annual charge on the new households to pay for their upkeep.

“It’s such a shame especially as we have a tried and tested model that has been working well for 25 years.”

Another question asked what the Trust could do to help Milton Keynes Council maintain its landscape to a better standard and David Foster replied that the Trust was keen to explore ways to do this in the coming year.

To download The Parks Trusts’ Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2016/17 please visit: www.theparkstrust.com/annualreport.

One of the most famous gardens in Kent will be loaned as a playground and practical study area from this September as Hever Castle & Gardens team up with the RHS to provide horticultural qualifications.

Dedicated amateur gardeners and those looking to develop their horticultural skills further will be able to take the nationally recognised qualifications of: RHS certificates Level 2 in the Principles Of Plant Growth Propagation and Development, the Principles of Garden Planning and Maintenance and RHS Level 2 in Practical Horticulture.

The courses will be delivered by RHS tutors in the fantastic setting of Hever Castle & Gardens designed and built in 1904 -1908 by William Waldorf Astor. Astor’s garden legacy provides a perfect playground in which to learn and practice horticultural disciplines.

Head gardener Neil Miller said: “There’s no better place than Hever Castle & Gardens for learning through observation. The courses are good if you are looking to extend your knowledge or even go for a full-time career in horticulture. There are lots of benefits from studying in-situ where you are able to relate the theory to the practical day to day working of a garden.”

Tutorials on site will be hosted against a colourful seasonal backdrop. Students will be able to learn and observe as the gardening year progresses from drifts of daffodils, hyacinths and bluebells in early spring giving way to an impressive celebration of the tulip in April through to camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. Roses take centre stage in the walled Rose Garden and Shrub Rose Border in summer while seasonal bedding and shrubs populate the Pompeiian Wall. An amazing collection of ferns and hostas provide a great tutorial in shady planting by Pergola Walk and the perennial long border and dahlia displays beside Two Sister’s Lawn. There are unusual areas of interest such as woodland planting on Church Gill Walk and perennials and grasses which can be observed in abundance on Diana’s Walk.

There are no prerequisites for entry to the courses just a passion for plants and the desire to take gardening to the next level.

The courses can be taken alone or together to gain the RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. Those who successfully complete all the necessary units for the three level 2 theory-based qualifications will gain the RHS Level 2 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Horticulture.

The RHS Qualification Level 2 Diploma in the Principles & Practices of Horticulture is well recognised within the industry. Students who achieve it are well placed to progress onto further courses, or into employment.

Some of Hever’s own gardeners have taken the RHS Level 2 certificates onsite with the RHS tutors. Seb Dunn aged 22 came to Hever straight from college, he said: “I’ve talked about being a gardener since the age of 13 – it’s been my dream job. I’ve been working under Neil Miller here for the last four years and he has been brilliant but taking the RHS certificates has added to my knowledge and experience. I took the RHS plants and soil science module looking at the make-up of soil and structure and how the nutrients get to plants. I also took the garden design certificate and I’m hoping to obtain a couple of design contracts for private work. The RHS certificate at Hever has really opened up more possibilities from a career perspective for me but the courses are for everyone – you don’t need to work in horticulture currently to take them.”

Achievement on the course is assessed with nationally set written examinations and practical assessments. Hever Castle recommend that students take the examinations.

Tuition fees include free access to Hever Castle & Gardens for the duration of the course.

Courses begin on the 18/19 September and run on Monday and Tuesday mornings.

Applications are currently being taken via the Hever Castle website: www.hevercastle.co.uk

Working in partnership with Balfour Beatty Living Places,Southampton City Council are undertaking works to improve the footway, lighting, seating, landscaping and general street scene of Kingsbridge Lane. These works will take place between July and December 2017.

Kingsbridge Lane is an important pedestrianised thoroughfare in the city, connecting Southampton Central Train Station with the City Centre and Cultural Quarter. This work forms part of their wider investment in the Station Quarter.

In order to comply with health and safety legislation, Kingsbridge Lane will be closed for the duration of the works and pedestrian diversions will be signed via Havelock Road and West Park Road.

For the duration of the work, the West Park Road Car Park exit onto Kingsbridge Lane will be closed, and for a short period, access from the car park to the bottom of West Park Road will be restricted while the work is carried out around that stair well. However, access in an emergency will always be possible.

Kingsbridge Lane is an important artery in the city, particularly for commuters travelling between Southampton Central Train Station and the City Centre. For many visitors to Southampton, this will be their first impression of our city, so naturally we want this experience to be as positive as possible.

Local people are being invited to find out more about exciting plans for once-in-a-lifetime travel improvements and regeneration in Halifax town centre.

Calderdale Council is holding a public information session at Halifax Town Hall on Tuesday 18 July from 4pm to 7pm, on a drop-in basis. Attendees can talk to staff working on the project, ask questions, give feedback and see images of the proposed developments.

The work will see £58 million invested to improve the way that pedestrians, cyclists and drivers travel around Halifax town centre. This is one element of the Council’s work to reduce congestion on the A629 route between Halifax and Huddersfield town centres, which is part of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Fund programme.

Cllr Barry Collins, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for Regeneration and Economic Development, said: “This is a really exciting time for Calderdale – we haven’t seen transport development of this scale for many, many decades and there will be key long-term benefits.

“The proposed Halifax town centre scheme will reduce congestion and make it easier for people to get into and around the town centre. But it’s not just about transport; it’s also about making our historic town even more visually attractive, boosting visitor numbers, encouraging people to stay for longer and increasing business and employment opportunities.

“We’re keen to share our plans with as many people as possible, and hope you will be able to come to the drop-in session to view and discuss the proposals with us.”

Proposed developments include better cycling facilities and footpaths; improvements to bus routes and on-street infrastructure; easier, safer and more enjoyable pedestrian access to shops and leisure facilities; a public square next to the Piece Hall, new Central Library and Archive and Square Chapel to create a safer, more pleasant space for pedestrians and people arriving by train and bus; better links to Dean Clough; and much more.

Specific areas being targeted in Halifax town centre include Church Street, Bank Bottom, Charlestown Road, North Bridge, Broad Street, Market Street, Wards End, Bull Green and Cow Green.

The initial designs will be discussed at the public drop-in session and feedback will be taken into account. A planning application is expected to be submitted in late 2017. If approved, this will lead to a detailed business case being submitted to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to release the funds required to deliver the scheme. The expected start date for works is late 2018.

After schemes including the A629 Halifax to Huddersfield Corridor Improvement scheme were supported at the recent Investment Committee meeting, its chair Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, leader of Bradford Council said: “The transport schemes which the Investment Committee has supported have been designed to achieve the Combined Authority and its partners’ aims of encouraging sustainable economic growth that sees more local people in high quality jobs that they can access easily.”

The £1 billion West Yorkshire Plus Transport Fund is being invested over 10 years in more than 30 transport infrastructure schemes across West Yorkshire and York, designed to create around  20,000 new jobs and add £2.4 billion a year to the economy by the mid-2030s.

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s Transport Fund has been part-funded through the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Growth Deal – a £1 billion package of Government funding to drive growth and job creation across the Leeds City Region.

For more information on the West Yorkshire Transport Fund programme in Calderdale, head to www.calderdalenextchapter.co.uk

The sun shone down on Thrive’s annual flower show last week at Beech Hill, near Reading, which once again featured a display of beautiful floral displays, creative collections of vegetables and delicious cakes.

Judges had a tough time picking winners from 15 classes, which included a summer bouquet in a vase, five sweet peas, a decorated pot, miniature garden in a seed tray, and new for this year – stick people.

Entries came from the client gardeners at Thrive in Beech Hill and the charity’s Birmingham centre, along with local care homes and special schools in the area.

Volunteers manned a number of stalls including a tombola, treasure hunt, golf and hook a duck.

There were a wide variety of plants for sale which included a number of herb hanging baskets planted by the client gardeners.

Medals were presented by Thrive chair of trustees, Faith Ramsay, who said the flower show was a wonderful occasion, bringing people together and encouraging gardeners to show their skills: “It’s always so difficult to judge, the standard gets better every year and the effort that goes into creating the entries is brilliant. I’m looking forward to next year already!”

Thrive’s gardens are looking stunning and will open three times over the coming months for visitors to enjoy.

You can visit between 2pm and 4pm on Thursday July 27, Tuesday August 15 and Wednesday September 20.

Entrance is free but donations are welcome. There will be refreshments on offer, tea and cakes and plant sales.

A green-fingered ten-year-old from Fife has been named Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Young School Gardener of the Year 2017, supported by Gabriel Ash. Fraser White, who attends Dairsie Primary School near St Andrews, battled against hundreds of other youngsters from across the UK to win the coveted national title.

The annual competition is aimed at unearthing the next generation of star gardeners and Fraser was nominated for the award by his teacher, who described him as “a walking advert for the good gardening can do for a person”.

Fraser impressed the judges with his huge commitment to the school’s community garden and how dedicated he is to sharing his love of gardening. Fraser said that gardening is like “something sent from above” and he has used the school garden to help him make friends, relax and feel calm.

BBC Gardeners’ World and ITV’s Love Your Garden presenter, Frances Tophill, is a competition judge and presented Fraser with his award at RHS Garden Wisley.

Frances said: “What stood out about Fraser is how his life has been transformed through gardening. He clearly loves coming into school to work in the garden and has dedicated himself to sharing his enthusiasm with the rest of the school and wider community.

“Fraser even gives up his Saturdays to help in the garden and has planned and organised gardening activities for the community including a toddler group and a local guild.”

Fraser’s prizes for being crowned RHS Young School Gardener of the Year include an engraved hand trowel trophy, framed certificate and the opportunity to spend the day working with RHS gardeners. His school will receive a Baby Grand Coldframe worth £475 manufactured by Gabriel Ash, £100 worth of seeds and £500 worth of National Garden Gift Vouchers.

The RHS awards ceremony also saw David Nicol, a science teacher at the Good Shepherd Centre in Bishopton near Glasgow, named the RHS School Gardening Champion of the Year 2017.

The School Gardening Champion award recognises a teacher or other adult who is passionate about encouraging gardening and an inspiration to the children they teach.

David has worked for six years at the centre which is a secure unit for some of the most disadvantaged and under-represented young people in Scotland. He has gone “above and beyond the call of duty” to build a garden from scratch and engage, interest and inspire those staying at the centre.

Tom Laurie, head of education at the centre, who nominated David said: “For most of these young people a garden was something that other people had, or which existed only on television. David has now changed their perceptions completely and given them ownership of, and pride in, their own garden.”

Competition judge and RHS skills development manager, Claire Custance said: “David has made a remarkable difference to the lives of the young people he teaches and is a truly inspirational figure.

“Since introducing gardening at the centre, David has used it to bring the curriculum alive and teach lots of other useful new skills. The young people have been encouraged to eat more healthily and there’s been noticeable improvements to their wellbeing. He’s a very deserving winner.”

As part of his prize David will receive a free place on an RHS Campaign for School Gardening Teaching Training Course and RHS Flower Show tickets.

The Good Shepherd Centre will receive a VIP visit from a celebrity gardener, an Upright Coldframe worth £699 manufactured by Gabriel Ash, £100 worth of seeds and £500 worth of National Garden Gift Vouchers.

A 31-strong group of secondary school pupils from Hammersmith in London have been named RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2017. An award designed to identify an outstanding school team that has shown excellent teamwork and made a difference to their school environment.

The Hammersmith Academy team was commended for not just establishing a garden from scratch in a previously grey area of the school grounds, but their work in the local community. They have greened areas outside the school and have made the garden of a local care home more wildlife friendly. This year, they have started to run workshops to share their gardening skills with local primary schools.

Patrick Kirwan, the KS5 Science coordinator at the school said: “In just two years our students have made an outstanding horticultural contribution to our school and local community. Our inner city school lacked a much needed area for nature and wildlife and our students have created a tranquil setting where people gather to unwind and relax.”

Zephaniah Lindo, competition judge and a lecturer in horticulture at Capel Manor College, London said: “It’s wonderful to see a group of secondary school pupils so enthusiastic about gardening. They are always encouraging other students to join the gardening club and embrace opportunities to get involved in the wider community.”

Hammersmith Academy’s winning team will be presented with their prize of a Classic ‘Eight’ cedar greenhouse, donated by Gabriel Ash at an event later in the year. They will also receive £500 worth of National Garden Gift Vouchers and a celebrity gardener will spend a day at the school to work with the gardening team.

Provender Nurseries in conjunction with Capel Manor College, Enfield campus, are pleased to announce Claire Stubbings as the winner of this year’s Provender Nurseries Garden Design Competition.

The collaboration between Provender Nurseries and students of Garden Design is now in its 5^th year with judging taking place in March. Each year students follow a brief which this year was to design a garden for a professional couple, who like to entertain regularly want a contemporary feel and to include some screening trees with seasonal interest, winter structure, wall shrubs or climbers to clothe the walls and herbaceous planting that favours the colour red. The design is based around the Provender Nurseries Display Garden at Capel Manor Enfield with hard landscaping features that cannot be removed or altered. All changes can only be made in the plant choice and style of planting.

Students of Garden Design at Capel Manor College, Enfield Campus presented their designs to Liz Hughes of Provender Nurseries, Sophie Guinness and Mark Cook of Capel Manor College. Each student talked through their designs justifying plant choices and highlighting plants or areas of interest.

Claire’s design was selected for the simplicity provided in the planting using the repetition of form, texture and colour with the selection of plants.

Structure is provided by the use of Prunus lusitanica pleached trees and Buxus sempervirens balls of varying sizes.  The red that the client requires in the brief is present in the form of repeated planting of Persicaria aff. ‘Darjeeling Red’, the red tipped Panicum virgatum ‘Shenadoah’, the specimen Parrotia persica ‘Vanessa’ an upright form with excellent red foliage colour in the autumn and extended through to the spring with early flowering Tulip ‘Red Hat’, ‘Greuze’ and ‘Merlot’.

Claire has previously worked in a small specialist nursery and Roald Dahl’s garden gaining experience in understanding how plants grow in unison and how seasons affect maintenance and form.  At present Claire is working on an on-going re-design project of a coastal garden in the U.S.A which should take about 5 years.  Claire has one year left of study at Capel Manor.

Claire was awarded a cash prize by Richard McKenna, managing director of Provender Nurseries.

Judging is still to take place of another re-design project for Capel Manor Garden Design students at Regents Park.  The design is for an area called The Island which is open to the public and is a main focal point for people coming out of the Rose Garden.

idverde have been working with Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) as part of its Future Gardeners scheme, which offers unemployed people in the Southwark (and surrounding) areas the opportunity to work towards a career in horticulture.

Founded in 2000, the aim of Bankside Open Spaces Trust is to support, involve and inspire people in Southwark and Lambeth to create, enjoy and care for green places. Last year BOST worked with 573 volunteers to manage and develop 15 parks and 12 community gardens. BOST runs projects which: work with homeless people to assist in rehabilitating them back into mainstream society; work with vulnerable adults to reduce social isolation and build self-confidence; give children in cramped housing the chance to play and engage with nature; help communities on estates grow food; and create sports facilities used by schools and families to improve health and confidence.

The Future Gardeners scheme includes a mixture of training for a City and Guilds qualification at Walworth Garden, practical experience in community gardens around Bankside and help with CV building and interview techniques.  There are also talks from people already working in the industry and help from an employment advisor to get the participants and their CV work ready.  Participants in the scheme also complete days of work experience at a variety of locations including Chiswick House and The Rose Society, and two weeks full time work experience with idverde on the company’s central London sites.

Three Future Gardener trainees have so far spent time working with the idverde team on sites including Coin Street, Regent’s Park, Jubilee Gardens and Burgess Park.

Louisa Mansfield, project manager at BOST commented: “The relationship with idverde has been a great success and is now an integral part of the Future Gardeners course. From meeting with Alistair who took the trainees round Regent’s Park and offered them all mock interviews, to working with Andy who set up the work experience in Burgess Park, it’s been a pleasure to work with idverde. It’s been extremely beneficial for the trainees to find out what it would be like to work for such a high profile grounds maintenance firm and in fact, as a result, one of the trainees has been successful in securing a seasonal gardening role.”

This scheme has made a real difference to the trainees involved – particularly for Edita Pociené, who having shown her commitment and aptitude for the work, was offered a seasonal position within the Burgess Park team. Greg Smith, head gardener at Burgess Park commented: “Edita initially joined us for 2 weeks of work experience in April. She impressed us with her natural gardening ability and hard work so was encouraged to apply for a seasonal role in Burgess Park. The following Monday she joined the ornamental gardening team and quickly settled in, getting on well with the team and picking up new skills quickly. Her contract finished at the end of June but she has done so well that it has now been extended until the end of September. When this contract ends, she hopes to find another position with idverde or elsewhere and to continue as a professional gardener into the future.”

Edita said of the scheme: “Before, I was struggling to find regular work and was getting by as an artist and by doing performing art at festivals. I signed up with BOST as I have always gardened a lot, helping my parents when I was younger and developing an interest in organic gardening. I have always grown fruit and veg and care about plants and nature.

“Since I’ve been at Burgess Park I have learnt a lot about plants and using tools and machinery. I have learnt lots about park maintenance and have improved my skills. I have also found it interesting working in the meadows and wild areas of the park. My favourite part of the park to work in is Chumleigh gardens which has a world garden with unusual shrubs and trees and very nice herbaceous flowerbeds. I have gained a lot of confidence in myself both as a gardener and in looking for and keeping work and hope I can continue to work as a gardener in the future.”

This is not the first time that idverde has supported schemes such as this; at our Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park contract we have worked closely with community social enterprise organisation Our Parklife to provide horticultural training and opportunities for the local Boroughs. This has successfully led to a number of trainees gaining paid employment with idverde or other similar organisations. Investing in our local areas through schemes such as Future Gardeners is a key part of idverde’s commitment to cultivating sustainable green communities in the areas in which we work.

The next Future Gardeners course is due to start in August 2017, for more information and to register your interest please contact Louisa on louisa@bost.org.uk or 020 7403 3393.

The granddaughter of award-winning plants-woman Beth Chatto has opened Writtle University College’s new Mediterranean Garden.

Julia Boulton, who is director of the Beth Chatto Gardens, cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony to the garden, a stunning new feature in front of the University College’s Main Building in Writtle, near Chelmsford.

The event, on 29 June, was part of the University College’s first ever Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) awards ceremony, which was attended by more than 50 students and their families.

Julia gave out the awards to the students, who have completed the work on the new Mediterranean garden which has taken three years to finish.

It was designed by RHS tutor Christine Lavelle whose design was inspired by the planting in Beth Chatto’s gravel garden in Elmstead Market, near Colchester; RHS Garden Hyde Hall, near Chelmsford; as well as the Cambridge Botanical Gardens.

Christine said: “I was very pleased that Julia could open this new garden for us, which, like the Beth Chatto Gardens, demonstrates how plants that enjoy dry conditions can be grown together to create a dramatic landscape.

“The garden has gravel pathways which meander through the scheme, with rocks or trees providing focus and a reason to turn a corner. The planting includes Stipa gigantea and Verbena bonariensis which combine to give an exotic feel to the grounds at Writtle University College. There is a focus on the winter interest in the garden by planting species such as Bergenias and evergreen Euphorbias.

“Altogether, this has created an attractive new garden in front of the Main Building at the University College, which demonstrates the practical horticultural skills that can be learnt on our RHS courses and gives students a new area to relax in and to enjoy our grounds.

“Our students benefit from being able to practise their skills and increase their horticultural knowledge by using our 220 hectare estate. Julia said that she was amazed and very impressed by their work over the last three years.”

The campus at Writtle University College boasts informal lawns, naturalised bulbs and wild flowers, 1,300 different types of trees and 2,500 varieties of shrubs displayed in more then 165 borders, plus impressive sub-tropical glasshouses. There are over 10,000 plants and 70,000 bulbs meaning the campus thrives throughout the seasons.

The Mediterranean Garden is the latest addition to the themed landscaped gardens on campus, which include the Hot and Spicy Garden, the Rose Garden and the Centenary Garden.

A new charitable fund dedicated to enhancing public parks and green spaces in Leeds was launched on Thursday 13 July.

Leeds Parks Fund, managed by local charity Leeds Community Foundation (LCF), will provide individuals and businesses with the opportunity to give something back to a park, woodland, nature reserve or other local green space that means a lot to them.

Parks are free and provide a space for everyone in the city to relax, spend time with friends and family, play, exercise and get some fresh air. Lynda Kitching, chair of Leeds Parks and Green Spaces Forum, said: “I represent an organisation made up of volunteer and community groups that support the parks and countryside of Leeds. We are delighted to be at the launch of Leeds Parks Fund today and to be involved with a scheme that allows people who care about local parks to invest in our green spaces, so they can continue to improve, now and in the future.”

Money raised through the Fund will go towards improving parks and other public green spaces in the Metropolitan district of Leeds, providing grants to community projects and other initiatives to restore or improve statues or bandstands, plant flower beds, provide homes for wildlife, improve pathways, playground areas, sports facilities and much more.

Kate Hainsworth, deputy CEO of Leeds Community Foundation, said: “We are thrilled to be managing Leeds Parks Fund. Parks play a vital role within our communities, providing people with a space to get away from the daily challenges and hustle and bustle of city life. We are looking forward to seeing the impact of this scheme and the positive effect it will have on the city’s green spaces.”

Deputy leader and executive member for environment and sustainability, councillor Lucinda Yeadon, added: “We are very fortunate to have fantastic parks in Leeds, with many community groups, organisations and businesses already providing a great deal of support to help ensure that our green spaces continue to look great. Our parks are part of what make Leeds such a great place to live and visit, so I welcome the launch of Leeds Park Fund. It will be a great way for people to invest in the parks they love and help make them sustainable for the future.”

The Leeds Parks Fund will collect donations throughout the year. Donations can be made online or by cheque, or people might be interested in leaving a gift to the fund in their Will. To find out more and donate, please visit: www.leedsparksfund.org

Sparsholt College has joined forces with Marshalls, the UK’s leading hard landscaping manufacture to further strengthen its horticulture and landscaping courses. The Marshalls’ Education Partnership, launched today, will provide additional expertise and resource to further enhance students’ learning experience and help develop industry links to boost career opportunities.

Marshalls has a long-term strategy to support students undertaking landscaping and horticulture courses. The Education Partnership further promotes the benefits of a landscaping career to help address the increasing demand for trained professionals in the industry and will link Sparsholt students with Marshalls Register members in order to gain work experience in the industry.

Commenting on the partnership Sparsholt College Principal, Tim Jackson said: “We already have an incredible team here delivering first class horticulture and landscaping courses and our students are all snapped-up into good professional roles and it is disappointing to tell some employers that we have no more completing students to fill their vacancies. We would like to encourage more young people to consider a career in the many aspects of horticulture. This agreement with Marshalls will further enhance the student experience and we hope will also encourage other young and not so young people to consider a rewarding and varied career in landscape and design where there are some well-paid roles available and a shortage of new entrants. Marshalls will not only be there to support our teaching team, but will also provide expert masterclasses and a suite of their renowned landscape materials for our college. The links to the Marshalls Register will also be invaluable to our students looking to develop their professional careers”.

As part of the Education Partnership, Marshalls has also committed to provide teaching materials such as specifications, drawings and videos; the opportunities for students to visit Marshalls’ factory and production facilities to gain a better understanding of how hard landscaping materials are produced; support for internal college landscaping competitions and work experience opportunities with Marshalls’ installers.

David Jessop, operations manager of the Marshalls Register said: “Working in partnership with colleges to promote landscaping as an attractive career choice felt like a natural progression for Marshalls. There is a shortage of skilled new entrants to  the landscaping sector, but demand for their services is higher than ever before. We want to encourage students to pursue a career in this wonderful industry, and instil best practice from the outset.”

He added: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Sparsholt College and look forward to working together in the future to provide their landscaping students with the best possible start to their careers”.

Sparsholt College has a national reputation for garden design, horticulture and landscaping expertise with a number of leading industry figures on the teaching team. An RHS Chelsea Flower Show Medal winner since 1998, the five hectares of first class grounds and facilities include landscaped gardens, glasshouses and the BBC Gardener’s Question Time potting shed.

For more information on the full range of landscaping and horticulture courses please call 01962 776441 or book a place now at https://www.sparsholt.ac.uk/opendays/