Stuart is the Educational Gardener working for Lanark Community Development Trust at their Horticultural Centre at Castlebank Park. He is responsible for providing horticultural, educational and volunteering opportunities to local people from all ages and backgrounds. These groups include long term unemployed young people, those returning to work, children and adults with additional support needs, and older isolated residents. He delivers lifelong learning through activities, demonstrations and teaching to school and community groups encouraging good horticultural practice.
Stuart is an excellent educator, able to tailor his teaching to all levels and ages. Whether this be young nursery children learning how to sow a seed, more advanced students learning about citizen science, or older people living with conditions such as dementia taking part in therapeutic activities. During the lockdown in 2020, Stuart proved himself as an invaluable resource to the Development Trust and to the local community. He single-handedly maintained the park’s beautiful gardens, and also used the growing facilities at the centre to allow ongoing donations to the local food bank and fresh herb/veg boxes for the local community.
He also provided activities and ideas online to keep young people and their families engaged with gardening from the safety of their own homes.
