Suffolk School BTEC Students

Students studying for their BTEC Certificate in Horticulture at a Suffolk school are being supported in their work by local seedsman Mr Fothergill’s.  Thurston Community College near Bury St Edmunds already has an allotment on site and Mr Fothergill’s David Turner recently attended the official opening of a polytunnel constructed by students on the course. 

“The students are justifiably proud of their hard work in putting up the tunnel”, said David.  “We shall provide seeds and young plants for use on the course, and we can share our horticultural knowledge with them.  We also hope they will be able to visit us at Kentford to see the packeting of seed and how we test seeds both in the laboratory and on our trial grounds, plus we are exploring the possibility of also offering work experience”.

The school’s allotment has been a real focus for a range of activities which have really made an impact on the way the school’s 1400 students view gardening.  The raised beds provide food for the canteen and the new polytunnel will allow the students to extend their season and experiment with new varieties.  Similarly the students hope to gain from Mr Fothergill’s expertise with stocking their wildlife garden and in planning a soft fruit area.

Andrew Ponton, assistant principal at Thurston Community College really believes that the benefits of teaching young people horticultural skills will stay with them for life.  “We are delighted to have the support of Mr Fothergill’s and know our students will really be able to profit from their expert advice”, said Andrew.