Writtle College, BSc (Hons), Horticulture (Historic Garden Management)

The course gives students the opportunity to specialise in the management of historic gardens and designed landscapes; key areas of study include an exploration of historic garden design styles in Britain and beyond, planting design over time and the horticultural and management skills required to conserve these landscapes; ss the course progresses students learn how to assess and develop an understanding of the heritage value of historic landscapes through the application of archival and field research to specific sites; this involves site visits locally for example to Hylands Park in Chelmsford, well-known as the venue for the V Festival but is also associated with the 18th century designer, Humphry Repton and is a Grade II* landscape on the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens; site visits also give students an opportunity to see different conservation and restoration philosophies and techniques; in the 2nd year students are introduced to research methodologies so that in the 3rd year they can undertake an original dissertation within the context of historic gardens or designed landscapes; tutors provide guidance as to the topic area to be studied whilst also encouraging originality.