Horticulture Students Collaborate with Local Business

Practical Horticulture Skills students recently visited Skipton Building Society on The Bailey to assist with a bulb planting project.

Learners planted 3,500 daffodil and tulip bulbs during the session which will further enhance the display on and around The Bailey (approximately 20,000 daffodils were planted by Craven College students back in 2009/2010, winning a discretionary Yorkshire Rose Award from Yorkshire in Bloom in 2014).

Former Craven College Horticulture student, Steven Woodhead has looked after the grounds at Skipton Building Society for the past 17 years and he recently contacted course tutor Michael Myers to see if there would be the possibility of collaboration. In addition to the bulb planting scheme there will be opportunities for students to further their skills undertaking pruning, planting new borders, and sowing wildflower meadows on The Bailey site. 

Michael Myers, Lecturer in Horticulture said, “Despite the rain in the morning, it did not dampen spirits and the students worked solidly throughout the day to ensure all of the bulbs were planted. This collaboration with Steven and Skipton Building Society has come at a good time for us since the new Horticulture facilities are being developed.

“In addition to work at Skipton Building Society students will also help with maintaining the Diamond Jubilee Community Garden on Newmarket Street, which was another College project completed back in 2012.”

Steven Woodhead added, “It was a real pleasure welcoming the Craven College Horticulture students to Skipton Building Society and working alongside them on this exciting project. Together, we planted approximately 3,500 spring bulbs as part of our ongoing work to improve biodiversity, encourage wildlife, and enhance the grounds for everyone to enjoy.

“Having managed the grounds at Skipton Building Society for around 17 years, it’s particularly rewarding to see these environmental improvements taking shape. As a former Craven College student, where I completed my RHS Level 2 Horticulture qualification, this project was especially rewarding. Michael Myers was actually my tutor at the time, so it was lovely to have the opportunity to work together again, this time helping the next generation of horticulturists gain valuable practical experience.

“The students showed great enthusiasm, and I hope this will be the beginning of more opportunities to work together on future horticultural and biodiversity projects.”

Stephen Fielding, Building Services Manager at Skipton Building Society said, “At Skipton Building Society we are proud to support Craven College students through this project. Their enthusiasm and hard work will help transform The Bailey’s grounds enhancing biodiversity and creating a more attractive environment for everyone who visits and works here. The project reflects our commitment to sustainability, community partnership and investing in the next generation.”

Mel Cairns, Head of Adult Education commented, “We are proud to work alongside a local employer and former student to create meaningful opportunities for our learners. This collaboration allows students to develop valuable skills, gain practical experience, and better prepare for future employment in a real working environment.”

Find out more about Horticulture courses at Craven College or visit us on our upcoming Open Event.