Meet the graduates: Georgina Stretch

Georgina Stretch, 22, from Hertfordshire, has been awarded the Twose Prize at the annual Harper Adams University graduation prize-giving event, held in late September.

The award is in memory of Natalie Dustan and is presented to the best improved student in academic achievement during the course of the BSc (Hons) Countryside Management or Countryside and Environmental Management course.

Georgina said: “It’s exciting to have won the prize and to have recognition for the effort I have put in. I chose to study countryside because I had always loved the countryside but had no clear directions as to what I wanted to do when I finished A-levels but I did want to go to university so I chose the course based on my interests and hoped it would work out – which it did.”

Countryside, environment, wildlife and geography programme manager, Simon Irvin said: “Georgina’s attention to detail and undoubted enthusiasm for the environment makes her a worthy recipient of the award.”

Evidence of Georgina’s academic achievement is that she completed the BSc Countryside and Environmental Management with first class honours.

For her placement, she spent the year working for RSK Group PLC, a global business that helps organisations to reach their business goals cost effectively and efficiently with the least social impact. Georgina worked in their landscape team where she gained experience that prepared her well for her final year of study.

Simon Irvin said: “Georgina has worked exceptionally hard and made an impression on placement where she has secured a graduate position with RSK plc as an assistant landscape manager, which entails a managing a number of land holding in the South East and South West of England.”

Georgina said: “Harper was unforgettable and I loved every minute. On the course I realised the sector is exactly where I wanted to be. There are opportunities to work indoors, in an office, as well as outside so it’s not all manual labour. I have found my career path now – I am working as a landscape manager within an environmental company and next year I hope to do a Masters in landscape architecture to do more design of outdoor green spaces.”