Co-Founder and Communications Partner

“Mollie, Liam and I started YPHA with the hope of uniting the scatterings of young people working in our industry.

Technology has shifted the world on its axis in recent years, and I don't think we can afford to assume that our current brand of horticulture will automatically appeal to future consumers. To me, the next evolution of horticulture requires a very different way of thinking - who better to ready the industry for the younger demographic, than young people themselves?

Collaboratively, I'm confident that this group has the power to have a huge positive influence on the future of our industry."

During the day job, you’ll see Natalie working atf Happy Plants.

Co-Founder and Brand Manager

"We started YPHA as we noticed a massive lack of youth in horticulture; from going to growers meetings, trade shows and visiting garden centres, the lack of under 35s was terrifying.

Setting up this group gives everyone young in horticulture a place we can all join together: to network, have fun and make great friends. With social events and educational events we can make horticulture a more appealing and more interesting career.”

During the day you’ll see Mollie working at New Leaf Plants

Co-Founder and Social Secretary

“I’m a manager at the Old Railway Line Garden Centre in mid-Wales, a business my parents founded 30 years ago.⁣ ⁣ I’ve worked in the company since I was very young and I’ve had the opportunity to meet lots of amazing people in the industry over the years, through organisations like the GCA and IGCA.⁣

I’m proud to be a founding member of the YPHA group, where we aim to bring young people in the horticulture industry together to meet and share ideas.⁣ ⁣ I hope the group will also showcase that horticulture offers a broad range of opportunities to build a successful career, and not just short-term jobs.⁣ ⁣

Getting more young people involved in the industry is vital to ensure it prosperity and growth in the future.⁣ ⁣ I’m really looking forward to seeing how the YPHA continues to develop as well as meeting new friends and learning from different perspectives and ideas.”

During the day you’ll see Liam working at Old Railway Line Garden Centre

Membership Manager

“I joined YPHA after hearing of the group at an industry conference. I was keen to volunteer and was offered a place as the Membership Manager.

I believe that YPHA will be a useful platform for discussion and innovation amongst the 35s and under, and that it will help shape the future of horticulture through collaborative learning and sharing of knowledge.

YPHA has already proven itself as an asset to members; offering invaluable networking and support, shown greatly during the covid pandemic.

I look forward to growing both on a personal and professional level as the group continues to evolve and get more members.”

During the day you’ll see Abigail working at Woodlodge.

Accounts and Bursary Manager

“Having been a member of the YPHA for a few years, I have worked with, collaborated with, met up with and learnt from other members, attended talks from key figures from across the industry and had the opportunity to attend key industry events as part of a wider group.

I have worked across the horticultural supply chain, more recently focusing on more commercial roles (in a supermarket, garden centre & e-commerce). I have also founded my own company Finding Roots on a mission to green our cities. I am proud to also have the opportunity to be the YPHA’s Treasurer.

The YPHA has become a foundation block for a career in horticulture and a fantastic way to make new friends and network with members from across the supply chain. The YPHA has proven itself to be a space where you can support each other as you grow, where knowledge can be shared and innovations developed in order to drive our industry forward.”

Careers and Opportunities Co-Ordinator

“I’ve been recruiting for roles within the horticulture industry for over four years now and love the opportunity to talk to passionate industry professionals.

I got involved with YPHA after hearing about it from my network. Having taken on the role of Careers and Opportunities Co-Ordinator, I can utilise my day job to help the industry further. I can’t wait to get more stuck in – I feel there’s a lack of talent coming into the industry so anything we can do to promote the fantastic industry we work in will always be beneficial!

I’m looking forward to seeing the difference YPHA can make to the industry and I’m excited to have the opportunity to get involved.”

During the day you’ll see Sarah working at MorePeople.

Technical Officer and Project Manager

“I am the production manager at Wyevale Nurseries in Hereford, I manage the day-to-day operations of growing, stock control, crop protection and new product development.

I have a specific interest in Plant Healthy & UK Biosecurity and am always on hand to answer any questions our members might have on these topics.

I have always been a proactive member of the YPHA so when I was asked to sit on the committee I jumped at the opportunity. I am extremely passionate about young people in horticulture having studied at Pershore College for my BSc, we also run very successful apprentice and trainee manager programmes on my own nursery.

YPHA is a fantastic initiative that is only going from strength to strength.”

During the day you’ll se Kyle at Wyevale Nurseries

Social Media Manager

“From a seasonal worker to a permanent horticultural assistant, I have always had a passion for plants. However, what truly made me stay in an industry that I was so new to was the sense of camaraderie I found among other young people at the nursery. That's why I was enthusiastic to join YPHA, which brings together horticultural newcomers and those who may feel overlooked, and creates chances for them to connect with experts and each other.

My goal is to help foster the supportive community YPHA has created, which not only offers career opportunities and educational talks, but also contributes to making horticulture a fun and fulfilling field to be a part of."

During the day you’ll see Megan wearing many hats across Walberton Nursery, Farplants and her own buiness.

Strategy Manager

“I am proud to be appointed Strategy Manager of YPHA. I want to help achieve our mission of uniting people under 35 in horticulture and make the industry appeal to a younger demographic.

The existing committee members have done an outstanding job laying out solid foundations. They have created a safe space for young people in horticulture. I want to support their success by growing, strengthening, and unifying this community for the long term.

I love travelling, learning new things and being outdoors (weather-dependent). I am a natural people person who loves connecting with others. I cannot wait to meet as many YPHA members as possible.

During the day you’ll find Jeremy working at Farplants Sales.

General Committee Member

“I’m John and I’m the proud owner of a Garden Design and Build business called ‘Outdoor Living Gardens’.

I started out on my journey within the horticultural industry as a gardener/labourer for a local landscaping maintenance business when I was 16 years old. This was only a means of gaining a bit of extra pocket money to go hang out with my friends to fund the usual cinema trips and pizza hut buffets.

Yet, I immediately fell in love with working outdoors, with my hands and the fact it was a job that kept my extremely busy mind focused throughout the working day. Fast forward 14 years later, I have gained qualifications in Horticulture, a degree in Landscape Architecture and a diverse amount of experience working in various horticultural sectors and practises.

I love the industry; I feel extremely privileged to be able to work in such a friendly creative sector and when I heard about the YPHA and what they were doing, I had to join! They’re an extremely inspiring group of people and when the opportunity came to be on the committee and be able to get involved to help, I couldn’t say no.”

During the day you’ll see John at Outdoor Living Gardens.