Writtle University College

About Writtle University College

Writtle College is one of the leading university sector colleges in the UK, specialising in the land, countryside and amenity industries. Founded in 1893, the College has pioneered education and training in these industries for over a hundred years.

The College grounds and gardens have been opening for the NGS since 1997 allowing visitors to view the many gardens which have been designed and built by students over many years. The grounds and gardens cover an area of 15 acres and consist of; informal lawns with naturalised bulbs in spring and wild flowers in summer, large mature tree collection, mixed shrub and herbaceous borders, heathers and alpines. Landscaped themed gardens include a ‘Centenary’ garden and a Sub-tropical ‘Hot ‘n’ Spicy’ garden.

The main purpose of the grounds at Writtle is to serve the educational and research needs of our students from basic practical provision through to degree level studies. The gardens at Writtle function as an ‘outdoor classroom’ demonstrating many different features, styles and landscape materials. An extensive, well managed and labelled plant collection of over 10,000 plants and 70,000 bulbs ensures stunning displays throughout the seasons. Other features include:130 landscaped borders, 6 ponds/ water features, Wild Flower Meadows and Woodland Planting. A guided tour leaflet is produced for each NGS open day and various events.