Our green‑fingered students are now digging, hoeing and planting with a full set of brand new tools, thanks to a generous donation from Greenman Garden Tools.
The company gifted more than £1,000 worth of high‑quality equipment after being inspired by the enthusiasm of student Louise.
Louise, aged 18, is a second‑year student on our Horticulture pathway. She visited BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC with her family and stopped to talk with the sales team at Greenman Tools. Louise introduced herself, proudly explained her training at Derwen College and talked about the skills she and her fellow students were developing. Her confidence and passion for horticulture left a lasting impression.
Louise said: “I met their Sales Director at Gardeners’ World and we started chatting. He gave me a heart-shaped shovel, and said he’d like to donate some free tools to college too. I was really chuffed with them. We’ve already been using them for jobs around campus, including planting today.”
Genuinely inspiring
Sales Director Kendal Ernest said: “Meeting Louise at Gardeners’ World Live was genuinely inspiring. Her confidence, passion for horticulture, and pride in what she’s learning at Derwen College really stayed with us. When someone shows that level of enthusiasm and dedication, you want to support them.
“We’ve been making tools for four generations now, and we’ve always believed that getting your hands dirty – whether in a garden, workshop, or anywhere else – is one of the best ways to learn and grow. Supporting budding horticulture students like Louise and her peers at Derwen College felt like exactly the right thing to do.
“The work Derwen College does is genuinely inspiring. If our tools can help these students build real skills, confidence, and discover what they’re capable of, then we couldn’t be prouder. That’s what being a family business is all about – supporting our community and investing in the next generation.”
Independence skills
Louise enjoys getting fully involved in every part of college life. Her horticulture training includes grounds work on campus, retail experience in the College’s garden centre shop and external work placements at Treflach Farm in Morda. She is also building her independence through learning skills in cookery, housekeeping, money management, travel skills and wider employability training. Louise hopes to work as a gardener or in a garden centre in the future and dreams of living independently with friends. She is even learning to drive.
Horticulture Lead Katie Roberts said: “We were delighted to hear that Greenman were donating tools for our students. Good quality tools help our learners develop industry‑standard skills for work after graduation. We also want to thank Louise for being such an amazing ambassador for the college. It has been lovely to see her confidence grow to the point where she is happy to approach and chat to different businesses at shows.”
Louise also plays an important role in the Student Council, representing the Horticulture pathway and serving as Secretary. She helps take minutes, contributes to learner voice activities and supports policy reviews related to student wellbeing. Her natural positivity, resilience and empathy make her a valued voice for her peers.
Inspired by the success of securing the tool donation, Louise already has her eye on her next goal. She hopes to source some new trolleys for students at the next trade show she attends.
Derwen College is incredibly proud of Louise and grateful to Greenman Garden Tools for their generous support.
