Myerscough student wins regional final of Young Horticulturist of the Year competition

Ruby Goodwin participated in the North West & North Wales Regional Final of the competition and will participate in the final next month after being named winner.

Ruby went one step further than she managed last year, where she finished in second place in the 2025 regional event at Astley Hall in Chorley, which is organised annually be the Chartered Institute of Horticulture, the only professional body representing all aspects of the industry.

The competition is open to anyone across the UK and Ireland, who is under 30 on 31st July 2026. Whether you are a student, apprentice or working in the industry, this is a fantastic opportunity to test horticultural knowledge and network with a wide range of individuals from across the industry.

The Institute founded the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition shortly after it was established as a way of encouraging and rewarding excellence among those starting out in a career in horticulture and today nearly 2000 young people under the age of 30 participate each year.

Another Myerscough learner, horticulture apprentice Aidan Hoodless, also participated in the event, finishing in third place.

We wish Ruby the very best of luck in the final, which takes place on Saturday, 16 May 16^th, in the Bright Hall at Rochdale Town Hall, where she will compete against the winners from each of the other regional finals to claim the title of Young Horticulturist of the Year 2026.

This long‑established competition provides a unique platform for emerging horticulturists to showcase their skills. The overall winner will receive the prestigious 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 supports a horticultural study trip anywhere in the world, enabling the winner to explore new ideas, research, or practical experience within their chosen field.