
Specialist further education college Derwen College is delighted to be praised for its hard work in challenging times by UK-wide horticultural campaign Britain in Bloom.
The Walled Garden at Derwen College, in Shropshire, has been recognised by Britain in Bloom because of its important place in the community.
The garden was presented to Derwen College, near Oswestry, from the Shropshire Horticultural Society in 1989. And, it continues to to provide learning and work skills for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Students on the College’s Horticulture pathway, tend the garden as part of their learning and work experience. Visitors to Derwen College’s Garden Centre and Shop, and Garden Café enjoy spending time in the tranquil space when they are able to visit.
In 2019, the beautiful Walled Garden scooped a top prize of a Gold/Outstanding Award. This was in the Royal Horticultural Society-run Britain in Bloom competition in the category called ‘In Your Neighbourhood’. For 2020, judging was not able to happen in the same way. However, Derwen College was thrilled that The Royal Horticultural Society and Heart of England in Bloom presented the College with a Certificate of Recognition.
Community spirit
RHS Community Development Manager Kay Clark said:
“This year, an amazing sense of community spirit has enabled people to face the difficulties of this dreadful pandemic together. Through Bloom, It’s Your Neighbourhood, and other community gardening activities you have laid the strong foundations that helped make communities more resilient in these testing times.
“People have felt closer to nature through lockdown. So, they have valued access to green space so much more. We have heard that people are valuing your work more than ever before.
“We want to recognise how important you all are, and how valuable your work is.”
Derwen College Principal Meryl Green was delighted with the recognition.
She said: “We are over the moon that the hard work of our Horticulture students and staff has been recognised during a year like no other, where everyone has had to pull together to do the very best that they can in exceptional circumstances.
“We are very proud of our Walled Garden which is a beautiful, tranquil space that is enjoyed by students, staff and the community. We look forward to being able to welcome back visitors in 2021.”
Find out more about a pathway in Horticulture at Derwen College here.
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