The Chartered Institute of Horticulture has announced that the Young Horticulturist of the Year Competition 2026 will open for entries on Sunday, 1 February 2026. The competition is open to entrants across the UK and Ireland who are under the age of 30 on 31 July 2026. It offers participants the opportunity to test their horticultural knowledge, broaden their professional experience, and build connections with others working across the sector.
This long-established competition provides a recognised platform for emerging horticulturists to showcase their skills. The overall winner will receive the title of Young Horticulturist of the Year, along with a £2,500 travel bursary from The Percy Thrower Trust, generously provided by the Shropshire Horticultural Society. The bursary is intended to support a horticultural study trip anywhere in the world, allowing the winner to explore new ideas, research opportunities, or practical experience within their chosen field.
The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in the Bright Hall at Rochdale Town Hall.
Rochdale Town Hall is a Grade I-listed building located at the centre of a town that has undergone significant greening and public-realm improvements in recent years. The restored Town Hall is now complemented by new planting, biodiversity features and redesigned pedestrian spaces, linking the site with wider green-infrastructure projects across Rochdale. These include upgrades at Rochdale Riverside, improved connections to Broadfield Park, and greener, more accessible spaces along the reopened River Roch. Together, these initiatives reflect the aims of the Township Green Infrastructure Action Plan, focusing on sustainable design, improved connectivity and the creation of welcoming civic spaces that support community use and long-term environmental resilience.
Victoria George, National Organiser for the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, said she was pleased that this year's Grand Final will focus on urban greening. She noted that Rochdale Town Hall will provide an excellent setting and highlighted the opportunity for finalists to see the greening work taking place across the town, describing the event as an exciting and memorable day for all involved.
Further details about the competition and how to take part can be found at the link here.
Chartered Institute of Horticulture
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www.horticulture.org.uk
