Students of commercial horticulture can get £1,000 of funding through the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary. 

The scholarship, which is part of the David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season, supports Peter Seabrook in his effort to encourage new entrants to the horticulture industry.  

Last season, the £1,000 award was won by James Pike who works as a grower at Hortico Plant Centre in Pinkney, Sherson.  

James returned to college to complete an RHS Level 3 course in Horticulture at Wiltshire College & University Centre in Lackham. He was so pleased to have been chosen to receive the British Protected Ornamentals Association – Peter Seabrook Bursary, saying: “This award will enable me to progress further with my horticultural education.” 

Simon Davenport, Executive Officer of BPOA, encourages young entrants like James to widen their 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,” said Simon. 

At a thousand pounds or more, a DCF scholarship can really boost learning potential. This year there are 7 scholarships to apply for: 

Ball Colegrave Sponsored Travel Scholarship  
Up to £1,500 to fund travel to Europe in order to develop knowledge and experience in bedding plant production and marketing. An employee in the early stages of their career at a commercial bedding plant nursery, or a student studying horticulture with an interest in commercial bedding plants should apply. 

British Protected Ornamentals Association - Peter Seabrook Bursary 
£1,000 to support one or more students studying commercial horticulture. The scholarship is also available to schools and horticultural colleges to finance trips for students over 16 years of age to leading commercial horticultural establishments. 

Horticultural Research Scholarship  
£2,500 to support applied research within the horticulture industry. Students who are keen to pursue a research career in the horticultural industry should apply. This includes undergraduates, postgraduates and those studying for doctoral degrees. 

John Gibson Environmental Scholarship  
£1,500 to support a student with a keen interest in environmental solutions and sustainable applications as applied to commercial horticulture.  

Majestic Trees Sponsored Travel Scholarship  
Up to £3,000 to fund a placement abroad at a tree nursery for a student who is passionate about tree production. This also includes the opportunity for a work placement at Majestic Trees, which could become a permanent position.  

Markham – Colegrave International Scholarship  
$4,500 USD for the opportunity to organise a work placement in a horticultural business in the US/Canada. The Scholarship is presented as a joint award from DCF and the American Floral Endowment (AFE), US. 

Student Scholarship  
£1,000 to each of up to 5 students to support their studies in horticulture. Preference is given to candidates who have an interest in ornamental commercial horticulture, especially with an emphasis on the bedding, container, pot plant and cut flower sectors. 

The David Colegrave Foundation Scholarship Season is open now until 31 January 2020. 

Applications are already coming in from the likes of The University of the Highlands and Islands – Argyll College UHI, The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise – Greenmount campus, Harper Adams University, Walworth School of Horticulture, Eden Project Learning, Nottingham Trent University, Myerscough College, Pershore College and Broomfield Derby College. 

More colleges are encouraged to get on board and get their horticulture students applying. 

To apply visit www.davidcolegravefoundation.org.uk