Westbury student honoured with horticulture award

A horticulture student from Westbury has been honoured by the Wiltshire Gardens Trust for his dedication to developing his gardening skills.

Stuart Warbnock-Coles studied RHS Level 2 Practical and Theory at Wiltshire College and University Centre (WCUC) and was one of three Wiltshire Gardens Trust Horticulture Education Award winners for 2025.

He was presented with a certificate and £500 towards further studies by Wiltshire Gardens Trust Chair Camilla Ritchie at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Edington.

Stuart moved from a career in the travel industry to fulfil a passion for horticulture and is working at Longleat as well as running his own business. He now wants to learn more about garden design.

“We are delighted to be supporting Wiltshire College’s Horticulture students on their paths to careers in gardening and horticulture,” said Camilla.

“We congratulate each of the award winners on their success. Our thanks to the Lackham tutors, Sarah Moor-Bardell and Gemma Neech, who helped promote the award to their students and to all of those who applied. There was a very strong field.”

The award is given every year for education and training that will enhance a student’s scope to continuing learning and to fulfil their future career goals in horticulture.

Applicants for the award must demonstrate to judges that they want to improve their understanding, knowledge and skills and be pursuing a career in horticulture, as a gardener, garden designer, landscape architect, groundskeeper or as a technician in a plant nursery.

For more information about the trust and its awards go to wiltshiregardenstrust.org.uk or contact Victoria at giving@wiltshiregardenstrust.org.uk. For more information about horticulture courses at WCUC visit www.wiltshire.ac.uk.