Hartpury College is proud to be working in partnership with Newent Cricket Club as part of an ongoing project to redevelop and enhance the club’s grounds, providing valuable real-world learning opportunities for students while delivering tangible benefits to the local community.
Following initial clearance work by club volunteers to reclaim overgrown areas of the site, Hartpury agricultural students have been undertaking practical project work to support the next phase of development. This has included erecting new post-and-rail fencing and planting a range of native hedging species.
Final-year T Level Crop Production student Tim West described the experience as a key highlight of his course: “This has been a great opportunity to put our practical skills to good purpose. I’ve learnt how to set posts, build post-and-rail fencing to a professional standard, plant hedgerow trees and work as part of a team on a real site. It’s boosted my confidence, and it feels good knowing our work will benefit Newent Cricket Club and the local community."
Projects like this allow students to build their technical ability in an authentic working environment, while also generating portfolio evidence that supports their academic and professional development.
The new fencing will improve the security and structure of the cricket club’s grounds, while reinstated hedging will help restore natural boundaries that had previously been lost to heavy ivy growth. Species including Dogwood, Hawthorn and Hazel have been planted to encourage biodiversity, supporting birds, insects and other local wildlife.
Estate Skills Lecturer at Hartpury College, Jimmer Cunliffe, highlighted the importance of community partnerships for student learning: “Real-life projects such as this are invaluable for our students. They allow learners to apply their skills in practical settings, solve real challenges and grow in confidence. Working with organisations like Newent Cricket Club strengthens our links with the community while providing meaningful, portfolio-ready experience.”
Newent Cricket Club Chair, Ella Curtis, praised the students’ contribution: “We are incredibly grateful to the Hartpury students for the fantastic work they’ve completed. Their contribution has already made a noticeable difference to our grounds, and we’re excited about the future opportunities this partnership will bring.”
Both organisations are keen to build on the success of the project, with future plans including laying the existing Hawthorn hedge and reinstating further sections of hedging around the site to enhance long-term environmental sustainability.
This collaboration demonstrates Hartpury College’s commitment to applied learning, community engagement and environmental stewardship, while supporting local organisations to create lasting, positive change.
