Future Gardeners: The Finnis Scott Foundation announced as New Funding Partner
Bankside Open Spaces Trust is delighted to announce a new funding partnership with The Finnis Scott Foundation, supporting our award-winning Future Gardeners training and employability programme.
This new grant will help remove financial barriers for learners by covering travel and other participation expenses. As a result, more people will be able to access training, work experience and career support as they begin their journey into horticulture.
It demonstrates our commitment to developing skills, widening access and strengthening the future of horticulture.
Supporting Access to Horticulture Careers
Future Gardeners is Bankside Open Spaces Trust’s (BOST) free horticultural training programme. Since launching in 2016, it has helped hundreds of people gain practical skills, industry knowledge and confidence.
The programme is designed for people who may face barriers to employment, including those experiencing long-term unemployment, young people not currently in education, employment or training (NEET), and people with disabilities or health conditions.
Over ten weeks, participants work towards a Level 1 City & Guilds qualification in horticulture. They also gain hands-on experience in real gardens and green spaces across London. Alongside practical learning, students receive intensive employability support, including CV development, job search guidance, interview preparation and introductions to employers.
The results speak for themselves. Today, 76% of Future Gardeners participants take their first step towards a horticultural career within six months of graduating through employment, apprenticeships or further training.
Why Financial Support Matters
Although the course itself is free, many participants still face costs that can make attendance difficult.
Travel expenses, site visits, work placements and training activities can place additional pressure on people who are already managing financial challenges.
The new funding from The Finnis Scott Foundation will help address these barriers directly. By supporting travel and participation costs, the grant will make it easier for students to attend every part of the programme and make the most of the opportunities available to them.
Removing practical barriers often makes the difference between someone completing a course and someone missing out entirely. Therefore, this funding will have a direct impact on learner participation and success.
A Shared Commitment to Horticulture
The Finnis Scott Foundation is a charitable grant-making foundation with a long-standing commitment to supporting horticulture and plant sciences. Established to honour the legacy of Sir David Montagu Douglas Scott and his wife, Valerie Finnis, VMH, the Foundation focuses its grant making on horticulture, plant sciences fine art and art history.
Importantly, the Foundation has consistently recognised the value of horticultural training and skills development. Its funding priorities include supporting bursaries, apprenticeships and pathways into the profession.
This makes the partnership a natural fit for Future Gardeners.
Both organisations believe that horticulture should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or previous experience. Both also recognise the importance of developing the next generation of skilled horticultural professionals.
Building Pathways into Green Jobs
The horticulture sector offers rewarding careers that improve the environment, strengthen communities and support public wellbeing.
However, many people still struggle to find accessible routes into the industry. Entry level opportunities often require previous experience, qualifications or professional networks that new entrants do not have.
Future Gardeners was created to bridge that gap.
Participants gain practical experience while developing the confidence and skills needed to move into employment. They also build valuable professional connections through placements and visits with leading organisations across the sector.
Over the years, Future Gardeners students have gone on to secure jobs, apprenticeships and further training opportunities with respected horticultural employers and institutions. The programme has become an important stepping stone for people seeking meaningful work in environmental horticulture.
Growing Impact Since 2016
Since its launch, Future Gardeners has continued to evolve and expand.
The programme now works with a wide range of employers, training providers and industry partners. Students benefit from practical learning, recognised qualifications and exposure to diverse career pathways within horticulture.
At the same time, the programme contributes to wider social outcomes. Participants gain confidence, develop transferable skills and increase their employment prospects. Many also report improved wellbeing and a stronger sense of purpose through working outdoors and connecting with nature.
This combination of skills development, employability support and environmental impact makes Future Gardeners a unique programme within the horticulture sector.
Looking Ahead
As demand for green skills and environmental careers continues to grow, accessible training programmes have never been more important.
The support of funding partners plays a vital role in ensuring opportunities remain available to those who can benefit most.
We are therefore incredibly grateful to the Finnis Scott Foundation for investing in Future Gardeners and helping more people access careers in horticulture.
Together, we are helping to create a more inclusive and accessible future for the sector while supporting individuals to develop skills, confidence and meaningful employment opportunities.
From everyone at Bankside Open Spaces Trust, thank you to the Trustees of The Finnis Scott Foundation for joining us on this journey.
If you are thinking about a career in horticulture, you can read more or apply for the programme here: /future-gardeners
If this work resounds you can also donate to the programme here.