By Damien Morgan, Foundation Degree in Horticulture graduate from Greenmount Campus

My name is D J Morgan, I am Parks Manager for Down District Council and I have just completed a Foundation Degree in Horticulture specializing in Sportsturf Management.  You might wonder, why return to study after 20 years in the industry, but I had several reasons.

I first attended Greenmount in 1987/88 and completed the National Certificate in Horticulture and back then there was no opportunity to progress so I started work.  In the intervening years education has moved on, there are more courses at a higher level available and I needed to update my qualifications to help me prepare for the changes which will affect all councils as a result of RPA.

I enrolled on the Foundation Degree in Horticulture and while I originally followed the Amenity pathway I changed over to Sportsturf pathway half way through, as in my role as a Parks Manager in Northern Ireland I have to be flexible and have a good working knowledge of all the sectors, in the morning you could be planning a bedding scheme and in the afternoon meeting a consultant about the surface of a bowling green.

The sportsturf units were particularly valuable to me. I gained an insight into pitch construction; all the stages from a greenfield site to the completion of a football pitch were covered.

The new Greenkeeper and Golf Academy is an excellent facility and as students we had the opportunity to learn about the new technology used in pumping, the installation of the borehole – not from text books but from being on site.  We also discussed new grass cultivars and I am trying these on four different pitches in my council area.

One of the most valuable aspects of returning to study as a mature student has been the networking; being able to discuss practices and issues with others from similar work backgrounds.

My time at Greenmount culminated in awards day last June when I was able to share in my success with my family.  I would recommend anyone in a supervisory or management role in a local authority who does not already have a higher qualification in horticulture to do the Foundation Degree; it updates your knowledge, allows you to develop networks and make new friends.

Damien Morgan after receiving his Foundation Degree in Horticulture at Greenmount Campus Awards Day in June