Horticulture students benefit from DCF Scholarships
Horticulture students have received scholarships from the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) this year, with more to follow.
Receiving £7,500 between them, the students’ interests include plant pathology, growing technology and tree, bedding, houseplant and alpine production.
DCF Chairman, Jeff Colegrave, comments: “We are delighted to be receiving more and more scholarship applications every year. This past season we saw entries from horticultural students studying at 27 colleges and universities across the UK. We strive to select only the most deserving of candidates as our winners based on their personal needs and their passion for the industry. We believe our latest winners will bring a positive contribution to horticulture.”
The £2,500 Horticulture Research Scholarship went to Liam Morton from Burntisland, Fife. Liam is studying for a MSc Sustainable Plant Health at Scotland’s Rural College/Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Liam is very interested in plant pathology and comments: "I'm really delighted to receive the Horticultural Research Scholarship and will be putting the money toward the cost of pursuing a masters course in Plant Pathology. I'm interested in forest pathogens - particularly species of Phytophthora - and I'm hoping that the masters course will prepare me for a research career in this area."
The £1,000 BPOA - Peter Seabrook Bursary has been awarded to Argyll College UHI to support a field trip in 2021 for its HNC and HND Horticulture students. 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: comments: "Visiting leading horticultural establishments will give the students some insight into this industry sector which they otherwise might not experience. An oversight of the possible employment areas in the industry is essential for them to know what opportunities await. This will be an invaluable experience for the students."
Receiving £1,000 each to support their studies in horticulture our Student Scholarship winners are:
Esther Thoburn from Carrickfergus, County Antrim, who is studying FDSC Horticulture at College of Agriculture Food & Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) Greenmount Campus. Esther is most interested in propagating and growing trees. She comments: "I am very excited for the year ahead; thanks to this scholarship I can upgrade my plant production from home as I complete my Foundation Degree in Horticulture. My passion is for growing native and fruiting trees. I hope to run my own tree nursery or farm in the future."
Hannah Butler from Worcester, Worcestershire, who is studying a Level 2 Crop Technician Apprenticeship at Pershore College while working as a gardener at Aston University. Hannah is keen to explore tree care and production. She comments: “This scholarship will contribute towards arboriculture training courses that I have been desiring but not been able to afford. It will also allow me to invest in my own personal protective chainsaw equipment for the future.”
Isobel Watson from Pershore, Worcestershire, who is studying a Level 3 Crop Technician Apprenticeship at Pershore College while working as a grower at Bransford Webbs. Isobel is passionate about growing technology and house plants. She comments: “I am so excited to be given this opportunity and I feel this student scholarship will help me develop in my current role as a grower and support my studies with my apprenticeship. It will be such a valuable learning experience that can support my horticulture career in many ways.”
Isobel also just won the Midland Regional Growers Apprentice of the Year and was an IPPS Europe 6 pack award winner in 2019.
Lee Holmes from Southport, Merseyside, who is studying Production Horticulture Level 3 at Myerscough College while working as a Grower at Lovania Nurseries. Lee’s interest lies in production of alpines from young plants to establish saleable plants. He comments: “I am absolutely thrilled to have received a scholarship. I have been a grower now for nearly 10 years and have completed numerous training courses. I feel it’s helping me develop as a horticulturist and the extra support I have received from the David Colegrave Foundation is greatly appreciated.”
Winners were also selected for the John Gibson Environmental Scholarship, Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship and a Trip Bursary. News will follow later due to current restrictions concerning COVID-19.
Get ready for the next DCF Scholarship season opening in September 2020.
More information on DCF can be found at www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk