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Horticulture project plants rare trees for future generations
‘Access Inclusive Learning’ Foundation Studies students have been planting rare British species of trees and bushes at our Tregye campus
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Published Wednesday 23 March 2022
Truro and Penwith College Principal Martin Tucker also got his hands dirty helping the students with the planting.
The walled garden at our Tregye campus, near Carnon Downs, was a Victorian-style walled garden over a century ago, and this project turns the space once again into a garden for fruit trees and other rare species to flourish.
The trees planted by the students will probably be alive long after any of us alive today are gone, leaving a legacy of the propagation of rare British species that are otherwise at risk of dying out in the modern world.
Tutor Louise Hopes organised it with the Tree Council after seeing them on Facebook. The trees and bushes planted included quince, plum, apple, hawthorn, blackthorn, dogwood, and spiddle.
Richard Cooper, a Foundation Studies lecturer and support assistant, also had a surprise, as a sign was unveiled as it was announced that part of the walled garden at Tregye will be named after him, as a thank you for all he has done to support the teaching of horticulture and nature to our Foundation Studies students.
The sign was planted in the ground showing that part of the garden is now named ‘Cooper’s Way.’
Richard, who has been at the College for over 17 years, said: “I’m gobsmacked! It is a real joy to be out here with the students. Teaching about wildlife habitat is such an important thing, and they enjoy it so much.”
Foundation Studies is the department at College for students with additional learning and support needs. The students learn in an inclusive, friendly and caring environment, and often get out and about to all kinds of locations to learn new things.
Student David-John Martyn, from Indian Queens, said: “I like going out to do gardening, digging, and weeding. I like learning new things. Gardening is my best subject at College.”
Nikita Pearce, from St Austell, added: “I like planting. I like to see my friends at College. I also like dance. Everyone is friendly.”
Find out more about Foundation Studies at the College here and about the ‘Access Inclusive Learning’ course here.
