Discovering the power of horticulture

The RHS teamed up with the National Citizen Service to offer young people unforgettable outdoor experiences that challenged their perceptions of nature

Horticulture is an exciting and diverse industry, with the power to change the world. With a looming skills gap and the all-too-evident impacts of climate change, we believe there is no greater time to encourage new people to get involved.

Sadly, 83% of employers within the horticulture industry feel there is a poor perception of it in schools and colleges. This worrying figure is backed up by evidence suggesting that 70% of 18 year-olds believe that horticultural careers should only be considered by people who have ‘failed academically’.

Enter the Outreach team at RHS Garden Bridgewater. For more than two years, they've teamed up with the Salford Foundation to run a National Citizen Service (NCS) scheme. 

Bridgewater’s dedicated team of staff took turns to introduce young people from the surrounding area to the garden. They offered a wealth of outdoor activities, encouraging a shift in perspective and broader outlook on gardens and green spaces.

As RHS Community Outreach Advisor, Andy Simpson said: “NCS is all about skills development and team building. What’s unique about this experience is that it happens outside, and it helps to change young people’s perceptions about spending time in nature.”

When 13 enthusiastic young people arrived on-site for the first time to take part in the August 2019 programme the Bridgewater team leapt into action. Throughout the fortnight, they learnt how to make and install bird and bat boxes and try their hand at nature art, using twigs dipped in ink to explore mark-making. They cooked outside, went foraging, discovered plants that can combat climate change, learnt to recognise different trees, and took turns to feed Bridgewater’s resident pigs.
 
“Overwhelming support from the whole garden team enabled us to deliver a wide range of activities. This kept up the energy of the group and meant that they were happy and focussed on the activity they were doing,” said Andy. 
 

Leaving a permanent legacy

During the final week of the NCS programme, the teenagers worked on a social action project that will benefit their community and enable them to make a positive impact.

“We asked if they wanted to help improve our existing blindfold obstacle course in the woods at Bridgewater and add in a commando trail, of course, they loved that idea. They really felt they knew where they were coming from and could add value,” said Andy. 

The group set time aside for a tour of the current obstacle course. They ran some consultations and then worked up their ideas, gathering natural materials to create models detailing their plans. At the end of the first week, they pitched their ideas in a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style event at Media City. In the second week, they worked together to begin building the chosen design.

Students enjoy getting out in nature at Bridgewater and building closer friendships 

“I thought it was great,” said one of the young people, at the end of the project. “It made me step out of my comfort zone. Also, I like the outdoors more than I used to now.”

“The new obstacle course will be finished in time for Bridgewater’s official opening,” said Andy. “We’ll invite all the young people back to test it for us.”

“That’s really what we wanted from this,” he said. “We wanted these two weeks to be an eye-opener for them and an introduction, not just to this garden, but to green spaces in general. We wanted to make them feel like it’s a place for them, which they can enjoy coming back to and spending time in throughout their life. And if we can encourage even one of them to consider horticulture as a career path, or gardening as a hobby, then that’s a win for us.”

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Discover more about the National Citizen Service