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PRRT’s Inaugural Horticultural Course

23 Oct

PRRT’s Inaugural Horticultural Course

by Carole
in Latest News
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PRRT Launches Inaugural Horticulture Course for Retired Police Officers

This summer we proudly hosted our first ever horticulture course, in partnership with the College of Agriculture, Food, and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE).

We welcomed 12 retired officers to the course at PRRT, who came together with a shared interest in gardening and a desire to learn new skills.

The group worked alongside an instructor from CAFRE over a number of weeks to transform a disused plot of land within PRRT’s Maryfield complex.

Despite encountering a few unexpected challenges – such as discovering a bees’ nest and realising the chosen garden site had an old helicopter landing pad underneath the growth – everyone remained determined and resilient to carry on. A group decision was made to start the new plot beside PRRT’s old walled garden, and everyone got to work transforming the space.

The discovery of a bees nest. Decision made to cut round the nest and carry on

First Challenge

2 days later: Discovery of an old helicopter landing pad. A second site identified beside the old walled garden

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annmarie, Head of Coaching and Development at PRRT, explained the motivation behind launching the course: “We wanted to develop a project where our clients could come together in a safe and trusted environment, reconnect with nature and create something meaningful. Over the weeks, we saw participants form strong friendships, develop new skills, and rediscover a sense of purpose. It’s been incredible to hear the impact this course has had on our participants’ wellbeing.

 

 

Soil Sampling

 

The course has not only provided the group with new gardening skills but also emphasised the importance of peer support and teamwork. Everyone from the group remained fully engaged throughout the course, and committed to staying in touch and maintaining the garden together in the future.

Get Involved

We plan to run more horticulture courses in the future, and no prior experience or qualifications are required to take part. All equipment is provided at no cost, and the course offers a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, meet new people, and enjoy the benefits of working outdoors.

If you would like to find out more about upcoming courses or how to get involved, please contact PRRT Services Administration for more information:

028 9042 7788

servicesadmin@prrt.org

We also found a collection of old glass jars and bottles, including a McKenna & McGinley Belfast stone ginger beer bottle