Back in May I was awarded a place in the RHS Young Gardener of the Year finals and was awarded a video camera to create a film to be judged in the second round. The films were sent off and we sat back waiting for the results. We recieved the news a month or so back now that I had won the key stage 4 section and was invited, along with all of the other finalists and winners, to the awards ceremony at RHS Wisley. During the ceremony the awards were presented by TV gardener Frances Tophill. Additionally we were given a guided tour of the gardens and glasshouses from the curator, Colin Crosbie. The video we produced for the competition has been put onto the RHS Campaign for School Gardening’s YouTube channel.

Today we have done some great shopping at the market, I can’t give to many details as most of it is presents, but some of it is small and sweet, and we even found a spoon big enough for Jacob.

We are just about to have our last breakfast in Rwanda and everyone is busy packing.
My team of eight amazing students have been absolutely brilliant; working really hard, running amazing workshops, showing great stamina in the forest, getting on really well with each other and leaving a real impression on the people we have met. I am very proud of you all.
Thanks also to Amy and Sophie who have worked really hard to make the trip run smoothly. I know that you have inspired the teachers, staff and students we have met in the past two weeks.
Last night’s dinner was a real success and begins the process of what happens next for the orchid project in Rwanda.
We fly at 19.55 Rwandan time, arrive at Heathrow at 9.25am and so as Zoe says should arrive back in Writhlington at about 12.30pm Wednesday. (Keep an eye on texts for any delays.)
Finally thank you all for following our blog it has been lovely having you with us.

Now in Kigali after leaving Kitabi this morning enjoying our lovely hotel and enjoying some free time.

As you know we have encountered some stunning birds in Nyungwe. Today’s most exciting was a black and white casqued hornbill (Bycanistes subcylindricus). It is clearly pleased to have found a nice ripe forest fruit.

We also spotted Blue Monkey and two groups of Mountain Monkey including this one.