3 minute read
Celebrating our Fellows
College of Fellows Chair, Adam White FLI PPLI. © Nick Harrison FLI
Looking back on an energising and productive College of Fellows event with College Chair, Adam White FLI PPLI
In November 2024 I had the privilege of chairing the Landscape Institute College of Fellows gathering in London. Blessed with sunshine and blue skies, the event welcomed more than 30 Fellows in person, with additional participants joining remotely from America, Greece, France, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
The day began with a guided tour of Beech Gardens at The Barbican Centre, led by Professor Nigel Dunnett FLI, Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture at The University of Sheffield. In 2018, Nigel’s groundbreaking Beech Gardens project won both the Fellows’ Award and the Science of Horticulture and Planting Design Award at the Landscape Institute Awards.
Nigel explained how the planting scheme, featuring drought-tolerant perennials and grasses, thrives with minimal maintenance, reducing water use by up to 70% while promoting biodiversity. The design also incorporates a thin soil layer, which further enhances water efficiency and supports the sustainable growth of the plants. The tour was both inspiring and educational, offering a rare opportunity to experience this pioneering project through the eyes of its creator.
A collaborative and engaging Fellows meeting followed the tour, with President, Carolin Göhler FLI, and me leading a round of applause for Nigel and welcoming all the new Fellows in attendance.
The College is a forum of discussion rather than a formal group, with these discussions informing the Landscape Institute’s operational and strategic direction. For anyone else interested in getting more involved with the LI, 2025 is a fantastic opportunity, with elections to Board and Council. Please put yourself forward!
We then welcomed speakers from both Fellows and LI staff, who provided updates on the future of the LI including the new Corporate Strategy, the LI Awards, education, and corporate identity. Lively and engaging discussion followed each of the talks.
With the Landscape Institute approaching its centenary in 2029, marking 100 years since its founding at RHS Chelsea in 1929, the meeting concluded with a look forward to LI100. It will be great to have the Fellows, and wider membership, contributing their ideas for how we celebrate this landmark anniversary. Look out for updates!
The day was both productive and inspiring, leaving us all energised for the future and looking forward to the next Fellows gathering.
Becoming a Fellow of the Landscape Institute gives recognition to your contribution to the profession. It provides opportunities to influence, mentor emerging talent, engage in meaningful collaborations, and help shape the future of landscape.
Visit landscapeinstitute.org/ member-content/fellow/ to find out more.
Adam White FLI is Past President of the Landscape Institute, current Chair of the LI College of Fellows, and Founding Director at Davies White Landscape Architects
