With each officer bringing valuable hands-on experience, the expanded capacity will help propel the Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) forward as it continues to unite the next generation of horticultural leaders.
Founded in 2020, the YPHA aims to unite the scatterings of under 35s working in horticulture, to better facilitate collaboration, education and innovation. YPHA’s primary focus is exploring ways the industry can attract a younger demographic, both as future horticultural employees and as customers for garden centres. The YPHA has accumulated over 900 members nationwide.
The new YPHA operations team members
- Beth Anderson, Events & Communication Support Officer. Anderson brings experience from her role in plant health in the Northwest, leading an inspiring team of STEM ambassadors. Outside of work, she is involved in community gardening projects across Manchester, fostering green spaces and local engagement. In her new role with YPHA, Anderson will use her social media strategy and event experience to expand membership and help deliver impactful events.
- Ellie Marrian, Events Support Officer. Marrian looks after the 2.5-acre kitchen garden at the renowned Doddington Hall in Lincolnshire. She will work with the operations team to help coordinate, organise, and facilitate the wonderful events the YPHA does. Marrian commented, “I’m absolutely delighted to have been chosen to help support YPHA in such an exciting way. I look forward to working with the rest of the operations team and meeting many of our members at future events!”
- Holly Garrod, Policy and Safeguarding Officer. As Project Coordinator for Robin Tacchi Plants in Norfolk, Garrod’s continued work with youth organisations identified a need within the YPHA team. “I’m delighted to have been selected to represent the YPHA. The YPHA has already provided me with some superb opportunities to grow and develop; I’m delighted to know I’ll now be able to offer that back to members in aiding to futureproof our growing association,” said Garrod.
- Olivia Blackburn, Administration Officer. Blackburn is the Office and Stock Process Manager at Coles Nurseries in Leicester. Outside of work, she is currently participating in the first YPHA Launch Success Challenge and is also the Discord Coordinator for Nurseries. Blackburn will manage the YPHA inbox and provide wider support to the team as needed. She commented, “I’m very proud to join the ops team and help to further our mission of uniting people under 35 working in horticulture.”
- Tom Buckle, Member Wellbeing and Committee Support Officer. Buckle is a Plant Area Manager at Squires Garden Centres. He will work closely with our mental health first aiders and our charity partner, Perennial, to offer wellbeing support to our members. Tom commented, “After almost 14 years in horticulture and as a member of St John Ambulance, joining the new operations team at YPHA is an exciting opportunity.”
The YPHA has several ongoing initiatives aimed to support their works, such as their newly launched merchandise, the festive Sowing Stories fundraiser and sponsorship opportunities to enable them to assist the under 35s working in the industry.