GroundsFest proudly sponsored the first-ever Land-based & Environment Learner Awards, a collaborative effort between Landex and Lantra. This innovative awards programme was designed to celebrate the exceptional talent, accomplishments, and triumphs of individual learners in the land-based and environment industries.
Land-based employers, colleges, private training providers, and universities joined forces to recognise and champion their top candidates within the sector, nominating them for prestigious awards across a spectrum of categories. The diverse range of awards covered Agriculture; Arboriculture, Forestry and Woodland Management; Equine and Farriery; Floristry; Landscape and Horticulture; Land-based Engineering; Animal Care and Management (including keeper and aquarist/dog groomer); Veterinary Nursing; Environmental Conservation, Game and Wildlife; Aquaculture and Fisheries; and Sports Turf and Greenkeeping. The award ceremony took place on 22 October at Reaseheath College in Nantwich, Cheshire.
GroundsFest were delighted to sponsor the Sports Turf and Greenkeeping Award. This accolade was bestowed upon Martin Foster, a standout individual who recently completed the Level 2 Golf Green Keeper Apprenticeship at Askham Bryan College and is currently on a work placement at Malton and Norton Golf Club.
Christopher Bassett, the Event Director of GroundsFest, expressed immense pride in being associated with the Land-based & Environment Learner Awards. He stated, “We are thrilled to be a part of an initiative that spotlights the incredible achievements within the land-based and environment industries. GroundsFest is a staunch supporter of land-based education providers, firmly believing that education is the pathway into the industry.”
Christopher emphasised the importance of bringing together educational institutions, industry professionals, and learners under the umbrella of GroundsFest, describing it as a vibrant platform that champions education in the field. “GroundsFest is not just an event; it’s a community that fosters collaboration and growth. We are committed to putting land-based education in the spotlight and will continue to support initiatives that elevate the industry’s educational landscape,” he affirmed.
The sponsorship of the Sports Turf and Greenkeeping Award underlines GroundsFest’s commitment to nurturing and acknowledging talent within the industry. This commitment was further emphasised with the recent announcement of the GroundsFest Education Fund—a pioneering initiative aimed at offering financial support to students in land-based colleges, helping them overcome specific barriers to participation and ensuring their continued engagement in education.
