Writtle College student James Hearsum has won the 2009 regional heat for the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition.
The third-year BSc Horticulture student beat off competition from four other students from across the eastern region to win the regional final at Shuttleworth College, Bedfordshire, last week.
Hearsum said: “I am very pleased to have won the regional final against other strong horticulturists, where the lead was due mainly to my speed in the buzzer rounds. This competition is just one example of how the industry is very good at supporting people early in their careers. It is a great opportunity for all young people in horticulture and I look forward to a challenging national final.”
Hearsum received £80 as the winner of the regional final and is now preparing for the national final, to be held on May 9 at the National Botanical Garden of Wales.
Second place went to Jenny Billin, who represented Easton College but will be starting her top-up to her BSc (Hons) Horticulture at Writtle College in the autumn.
The competition, organised by the Institute of Horticulture (IOH), is open to anyone involved in horticulture under the age of 30, including anyone studying for a horticultural qualification.
Every year, the IOH receives entries from more than 1,000 young horticulturists.
The winner of the Young Horticulturist of the Year award will receive a £2,000 Percy Thrower Travel Bursary, which can be used by the winner to organise a horticultural tour anywhere in the world.
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