Where is RHS Garden Bridgewater?

RHS Garden Bridgewater, the newest RHS site opened in 2021 on the historic Worsley New Hall estate, specializes in urban horticulture courses suited to industrial North West England. Covering 154 acres, it addresses contemporary challenges like pollution-tolerant planting and community green spaces, providing modern facilities for education.

• RHS Level 2 Certificate in Garden Planning: Entry-level course on urban design, container gardening, and balcony planting, using Bridgewater's walled gardens.
• Urban Biodiversity and Wildlife Gardening: Training in creating habitats for birds, insects, and mammals in city settings, with focus on the garden's wetlands and meadows.
• Plant Health and Integrated Pest Management: Workshops on disease diagnosis, chemical-free controls, and resilient cultivars for polluted areas.
• Therapeutic Horticulture: Programs exploring gardening's mental health benefits, including sensory gardens and inclusive activities for all abilities.
• Sustainable Turf and Sports Ground Maintenance: Courses on lawn care, pitch renovation, and eco-friendly surfaces, tied to the site's arboretum and lakes.

Bridgewater's state-of-the-art education center features classrooms, greenhouses, and digital tools for blended learning. Short courses cover rooftop greening and edible urban forests, appealing to city dwellers. Apprenticeships partner with Manchester's green initiatives, offering placements in public parks. The curriculum emphasizes social impact, with modules on community orchards and youth engagement. Learners access the 50-acre walled garden for practicals and the visitor pavilion for seminars. Themes include restoring historic landscapes and climate-resilient planting. Graduates enter fields like urban forestry, therapy roles, or council horticulture. As an accessible site near motorways, it attracts diverse learners, promoting inclusivity. Bridgewater's programs highlight innovation, such as vertical meadows and smart irrigation, preparing participants for urban greening demands. With its blend of formal parterres and wild woods, it inspires practical, forward-thinking gardening solutions for tomorrow's cities.