Green Sefton’s Botanic Gardens Aviary Team have won Work Placement Partner Employer of the Year at the Southport Education Group Employer of the Year Awards.

The event is organised by Southport Education Group, which operates both Southport College and KGV Sixth Form College, along with Employers Partnerships and Compete.

The awards recognise employers who have gone above and beyond to provide impactful, real-world work placements for students.

Aviary Team at Botanic Gardens

Green Sefton’s Aviary Team consists of three passionate individuals who are based in the historic Botanic Gardens, Churchtown.

Throughout the academic year, the team supported the learning of seventeen students with one-hundred-and-fifty hours of hands-on experience in the aviaries, undertaking a range of tasks like cleaning and interacting with the birds and small animals.

Principal Michelle Brabner said: “This year’s placements with this employer have come with their share of challenges, yet their continued patience and support has been invaluable. The setting not only enriches our students’ learning journey but also strengthens a vital community resource.

“Their patience and support have made a lasting difference, and we really value the strong partnership we’ve built over the past two years.”

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: “It is wonderful for this small, niche team to receive this award and recognition of their hard work.

“By delivering and supporting work placement schemes like this, our Green Sefton team continue to celebrate the heritage of Botanic Gardens which recently celebrated its 150^th birthday!”

Botanic Gardens Community Association (BGCA) launch heritage match-funding appeal

To mark the 150^th anniversary of Southport’s Botanic Gardens, the Botanic Gardens Community Association launched a public match-funding appeal.

The Botanic Gardens Community Association is a long-standing voluntary group, which oversees park maintenance and activities. It is working in partnership with Sefton Council on the appeal.

Together, the Community Association and the Council will use the funding to celebrate the Park’s historic importance and develop new attractions in line with the views and wishes of the local community.

To find out more and get involved, head to: Botanic Gardens match funding appeal launched on 150th anniversary