We are delighted to let you know that over the last few weeks we have been joined by 10 new horticultural trainees. Our new trainees have joined us as part of the grant we received from the Green Recovery Challenge Fund for our ‘Close the Gap’ project. The trainees will be spending a year with us and in that time will gain an RHS Level 2 Certificate in the Principles of Horticulture. They will also be having regular placements with a number of Devon-based market growers, including Schumacher College, LandWorks and Incredible Vegetables, and be given opportunities to gain in-field experience by taking part in training days with organisations, including The Wildlife Trusts, The Woodland Trust, and Dartmoor National Park.
MEET OUR HORTICULTURAL TRAINEES
Emma Bell, Horticultural Trainee
Emma has developed a fascination with horticulture in the last few years, which is why she wanted to join us. As a student, she studied photography at University of Southampton, then ran a clothing company for a while, before getting into the construction/woodworking industry, which led her to horticulture and the world of plants. This year, she hopes to discover which area of horticulture she would like to specialise in.
Laura Cosio Lasic, Horticultural Trainee
Laura came to the UK from Spain to study Environmental Sciences, which she finished studying last summer. Much of her degree was focused on understanding how communities can fight environmental degradation. Having volunteered for a number of sustainable community projects and developed a love of greenery, woodlands, and the majestic trees of the Southwest, coming to train with us felt like a no-brainer.
Sky Miller, Horticultural Trainee
Sky, who has volunteered with us in the past, has lived in Devon his whole life. He loves walking on the moor and by the sea and has a particular interest in trees and birds. He has recently been studying for a BTEC in engineering, which he feels fits well with his passion for bringing modern technology into conservation and environmental work.
Kai Rawnsley, Horticultural Trainee
Kai is from North Cornwall. He graduated from a degree in Environmental Sciences last summer, which gave him some great opportunities to volunteer around the globe, but he is now keen to make an impact on restoring native woodlands back in the UK. Kai loves being outdoors. He spent his childhood romping in the woods and climbing trees and now has a strong affinity with woodlands – just what we are looking for!
Shannon Worsey, Horticultural Trainee
Shannon’s background is in biochemistry, with an interest in scientific engagement. She has been regularly involved in conservation efforts through volunteering and has always been interested in pursuing a career in the environmental sector. She loves walking and bird watching and is looking forward to helping restore the local areas that she grew up in.
A warm welcome to you all!
We are delighted to be equipping our trainees with the skills needed to join the horticultural sector and to make a crucial impact on our environment, economy and food security.
Stay tuned next month, when we will be introducing you to the rest of our new horticultural trainees. You may also be interested in reading our first-ever blog post.
