Print this pageSOMERSET GARDENS TRUST SUPPORTS NEW GROWTH OF GRADUATES IN HORTICULTURE…
Students studying for a Foundation degree (FdA) in Garden History and Heritage Horticulture (GH&HH) can now access Two Thousand pounds worth of core texts thanks to the Somerset Garden Trust.
The FdA course is the only one of its kind available in the UK and offers students a unique opportunity to learn how to preserve, develop and manage historic and heritage parks and gardens. The course is validated by the University of the West of England and has been developed and delivered in close partnership with Hestercombe Gardens, situated just outside Taunton in Somerset, and the University Centre Yeovil (UCY). The first GH&HH students graduated last year and have praised the learning environment and support offered by both Hestercombe Gardens and the UCY.
The Somerset Gardens Trust’s donation will include books that cover all of the core texts on the Foundation degree’s recommended reading list as well as other very useful resources and will be a very welcome addition to support students with their learning. The new dedicated library will be housed at Hestercombe Gardens and available for current and future students to borrow.
Anthony Pugh-Thomas, Chairman of the Somerset Garden Trust, presented the books to the UCY. He said “We were delighted to be able to make this donation. The trust wants to encourage people into horticulture and we feel there is currently a big gap in doing this. The students are very lucky as there is a great selection of books here that we have thoroughly enjoyed gathering together for them.“
Course leader John Horsey accepted the books on behalf of the students. He said “We are very grateful to the Somerset Garden Trust for these publications. The Southwest is an area of great natural beauty and it is important that we work to preserve our local environment for future generations. The development of courses such as the Foundation degree in Garden History and Heritage Horticulture enables individuals to learn the much needed skills to support this vitally important conservation work. This donation will go a long way to helping students in their career progression and personal development in local heritage.”
Many of the students currently on the course were at the presentation. Student Liz Buckingham of Burnham on Sea said “They couldn’t have given us a nicer gift. Unless we purchased these books ourselves it would be very hard to access these resources. This presentation also coincides with the completion of the new classroom facilities at Hestercombe, so now we have the best resources at our disposal!”
