COMMUNITY organisation Newton Rigg Ltd has now taken its first step in realising a vision to rebuild the future of land-based education in the county.

The launch of ‘NR Training’, a new land-based training provider, will see the first courses announced for a September start.

Newton Rigg Ltd has also formed a collaboration with Lowther Estate that will see the expert-led NR Training School of Horticulture begin running courses in Lowther Castle and Gardens this September. A new course in Advanced Dairy Management is also now accepting applications as the first of numerous courses planned as part of NR Training’s Rural Business School vision.

The organisation has also pledged to keep going with their campaign to preserve use of Newton Rigg’s campus and Sewborwens Farm for education and training.

Dr Jane Sullivan (educational consultant and Director of Newton Rigg College 2015-18) has played a key role in NR Training’s development along with Newton Rigg Ltd Director Andrew Counsell (former principal of Duchy College, Vice Chair of Landex).

Dr Sullivan said, “Thanks to a fantastic collaboration with Lowther Estate the NR Training School of Horticulture is able to offer adult education in horticulture and garden design in the inspiring surroundings of Lowther Castle and Gardens, starting this September. In addition, NR Training’s Advanced Dairy Management course is now open for applications and is the first of a number courses planned to launch over coming months as part of our wider Rural Business School vision.”

David Bliss, CEO Lowther Estate, said “We are delighted to support NR Training and offer our estate to train the next generation of horticulturalists as part of this important drive to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria. Lowther Castle and Garden Trust, in collaboration with Ernest Cook Trust, already offer learning opportunities on its estate and we are excited to be able to extend this further”

Newton Rigg Ltd Director Chris Crewdson said, “With the launch of NR Training we are on the path to a sustainable solution for Cumbria and we are so grateful to the individuals and organisations who have supported us financially and with their advice and expertise. This is a community effort and we believe our county will look back with pride in future. We hope that any others who want to be part of this drive to rebuild land-based education in Cumbria will get in touch to offer their support or donate via our GoFundMe crowdfunding page – all help is welcome to accelerate our growth at this pivotal time."