Part of the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) Scholarship Season, this award supports commercial horticulture through the recognition and encouragement of talent that works in or will go on to work in the sector.
James Pike works as a grower at Hortico Plant Centre in Pinkney, Sherson and returned to college to complete an RHS Level 3 course in Horticulture at Wiltshire College & University Centre in Lackham. He is keen to learn more about biologicals within crop management, especially pest control.
Pike said: "I am so pleased to have been chosen to receive the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary. Winning this award is a very nice surprise. Returning to college after so many years was quite daunting. However, I am really enjoying my RHS level 3 at Lackham. This award will enable me to progress further with my horticultural education."
Supporting James’ application, Simon Davenport, Executive Officer of BPOA, added: "BPOA is pleased, once more, to foster the continuing effort of Peter Seabrook and DCF in encouraging young horticulturists into careers in growing. As Peter has said so often it is good to be involved in a job that offers so much to the aspiring trainee. We would encourage James to widen his knowledge of and contact with the commercial plant production trade. It is by increasing direct involvement with the trade that a young entrant such as James can enhance his employability and improve his career prospects. We wish him every success with his studies and training."
Peter Seabrook said: "I wish James every success in his studies and just hope he gets as much pleasure and satisfaction growing plants as I have done. It is our good fortune to do a job which brings colour into peoples’ lives and puts smiles on their faces."
Scholarships worth £13,000 have been awarded to 10 students with interests that include research, sustainability, crop management, breeding, horticultural therapy and commercial wholesale.
"This year we received a record number of applications from horticultural students studying at 22 colleges across the UK," said DCF chairman, Jeff Colegrave. "We believe we have selected some excellent candidates who are very worthy recipients of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarships."
The next DCF Scholarship season opens in September 2019.
More information on DCF and this season’s winner can be found at http://www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk/
