Budding Edge Hill University botanists win gold at the Southport Flower Show

STUDENTS from Edge Hill University were awarded a Large Gold Medal at the Southport Flower Show for their fascinating display of different kinds of ferns and lycophytes.

2 members of the University's Horticultural Society, Al-fida Ahmed and Jenna Fitzpatrick, created a science-led stand explaining how to look after pteridophytes, known to most as ferns, and their evolutionary cousins lycophytes.

They worked closely with two post-graduate students, David Hill and Alison Evans, who are both members of the British Pteridological Society (BPS).

BSc (Hons) Ecology and Conservation student Al-Fida Ahmed said:- "We aimed to showcase the incredible variety of ferns and lycophytes that can be grown in a garden, greenhouse, or home. Many of the ferns on show are available from garden centres, while some of the rarer specimens have been grown from spore by BPS members."

Ferns and lycophytes are some of the planet's oldest plants having evolved 360 million years ago, long before even dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

MRes Biological Sciences student and General Secretary of the BPS David Hill is currently researching lycophytes as part of his Masters degree, he said:- "My research and part of our display focused on quillwort, a very unique type of aquatic lycophyte. Despite being one of the oldest plants on the planet and a vital plant for biodiversity many people don't know much about them, hopefully, our stand has changed that."

Edge Hill's Biology Department has been working closely with the BPS on multiple fern research projects looking at their importance for biodiversity and what they can teach us about the climate crisis.

The partnership was set up with the help of Associate Tutor and former BPS President Alison Evans, she helped the students to create their gold medal winning stand and supports fern research carried out at the University.

Alison said:- "Ferns are an amazing plant group that has survived since the carboniferous period, well before the age of the dinosaurs. Ferns are under-researched but thankfully new research being carried out at Edge Hill is showing their importance for biodiversity and that they could be a source of both biofuel and food."

Jenna Fitzpatrick, who just graduated with a degree in BSc (Hons) Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS, added:- "I 1st learned about the British Pteridological Society after joining the Horticultural Society at Edge Hill. Working with the BPS at Southport has been an amazing opportunity to learn from the very best and make connections with others in the plant community. Thanks to the BPS we've now won a Large Gold Medal which is a fantastic achievement for all of us."

To discover more about courses at Edge Hill, please visit:- EHU.AC.UK/Study.

Also please do check out our final part of our main coverage of the Southport Flower Show in this edition, by clicking on here.

Brimstage Farm Hosts Music Festival For Cancer Charity

MAGGIE'S, the cancer support charity which provides free practical, emotional and social support to those affected by cancer, is thankful to local business Brimstage Farm for putting on an incredible event to raise huge awareness and vital funds to help them support people living with and beyond cancer. 

On Saturday, 16 September 2023, Maggie's Music Festival will take place, with a variety of performers, singers, bands, and DJ's. As well as entertainment, Brimstage farm and its activities, will be open for guests to enjoy. Including, The Giant Maze, Jumping Pillows, Archery, Water Catapults, Indoor Play Barn and more.  It's set to be fun-filled day for all the family, with lots of stalls and food, drinks and ice cream will also available. There will also be face painting, hair braiding and a special appearance from Disney Princesses, Vikings, and The Stormtroopers.  The day is not to be missed.

Tickets are available now, starting at £6. Foo tickets please go to:- Eventbrite.Co.UK.
 
The team from Brimstage Farm contacted Maggies some time ago to offer the site to be used for all-important fundraising.  Maggies means a lot personally to them, Jo from Brimstage Farm said:- "Having leant on Maggies myself a few years back, I really wanted to give something back.  The centre provided me with calmness, peace and clarity during my treatment not to mention support and a great cup of tea!  The team at Maggies are wonderfully welcoming so if you (or anyone you know) are affected by cancer in any way, you can just pop along for advice and a friendly chat.  I'd honestly recommend anyone in this situation to pop in."

The owner of the farm:- "Maggies means a lot to me and my family and we're really happy to be supporting such a fabulous charity this year.  We do as much as we can for the local community where possible and we're excited to be able to help Maggies with their all important fundraising this summer."

Maggie's Wirral puts people with cancer at the heart of everything they do and believes that everyone should have access to professional psychological and emotional support, to help life feel more manageable for people affected by cancer.
 
Maggie's helps people take back control when cancer turns life upside down, with support for anything from treatment side effects to money worries. The centres' professional teams provide help and information and run groups and activities, all designed to make coping with cancer easier.
 
Centre Head Kathy wright said:- "We are extremely grateful to Brimstage Farm for their incredible support and for helping to keep our doors open for people who need us now more than ever. We have thousands of visits every year and our team of qualified professionals deliver an evidence based programme of support, which has shown to improve physical and emotional wellbeing. Without the support of people like Brimstage Farm this would not be possible. We're very excited as it's the first Music festival we've ever been involved in, we do hope you can all join us."

Maggie's Wirral supports people from Wirral, Merseyside, Cheshire, and North Wales, built in the grounds of Clatterbridge Hospital. A warm and welcoming place acting as safe haven and providing an alternative to the hospital environment. Maggie's relies on voluntary donations and events. If you'd like more information about this event or would like to hold a stall on the day please contact the team on:- 01513344301 or email:- MerseysideFundRaising@MaggiesCentres.Org.