A group of students from Suffolk New College has been helping plant a hedgerow and trees around a park in Suffolk.
The learners, based at the Suffolk Rural campus, and a partnership between them and Woodbridge Town Council is really beginning to flower.
Last year, students were involved in pruning roses at Elmhurst Park in the town.
This year, around 20 budding horticultural experts joined forces with council representatives taking part in maintenance pruning around Kingston Avenue Recreation Ground.
The Head Gardener for Woodbridge Town Council is Jess Dighton. Jess explains: “We have a long history of working with the college and it’s great to get the students involved in this real-world project. I hope they will come back many times in the future. It’s brought everyone together.”
Nicole Le Grys is a lecturer at Suffolk Rural. She said: “The students get a lot out of it and get to see their work in a public place. Community engagement and student experience are so important to us.”
Talking more generally about horticulture at the college, Nicole added: “We have 50 adults across three different cohorts and 15 youngsters. Our numbers have increased partly because of the wellbeing side of the subject, and many now get involved (in horticulture) as part of a second career choice.”
The Mayor of Woodbridge Nigel Phipps, also popped down. He said: “I think it’s just fantastic. Having all the students here is brilliant. The feedback has been positive. I’m hoping that Woodbridge will provide students with more opportunities. It will have a huge impact on the town.”
Liam Garrard is an Estates Manager for the council and also a student at the college. Liam said: “I wanted to enhance my knowledge and skills by learning more. So, I became a student. Thanks to this project, I’ve been able to apply my practical knowledge to help make the park and the environment a better place.”