February sees the launch of Round 1 of the Young Horticulturist of the Year (YHOY) competition. With a total prize fund of £10,000 there are opportunities to win cash and other prizes across the competition and the winner takes home the prestige title of Young Horticulturist of the Year, and a £2,500 travel bursary. The competition is free to enter and open to anyone below the age of 30 on 31st July 2026 working or studying in horticulture.
Round 1 is held online and runs from 1 - 28 February. The 8 highest placed entries from each region in Round 1 will go through to the Regionals, which are physical events, taking place in March and April. Each Regional awards 1st place with £150, 2nd place £100 and 3rd place £75, with each of the rest winning £25. The Regional Champion then progresses to the Grand Final, representing their region at the national level.
© Chartered Institute of Horticulture
The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, 16 May 2026, in the Bright Hall at Rochdale Town Hall, a Grade I‑listed landmark, sitting at the heart of a town centre transformed by recent greening and public‑realm improvements. The restored building is now complemented by new planting, biodiversity features and redesigned pedestrian areas that link with wider green‑infrastructure projects across Rochdale.
Further details about the competition and how to take part can be found at the link here.
Chartered Institute of Horticulture
[email protected]
www.horticulture.org.uk
