West Dean London is celebrating exceptional success at the 2026 awards hosted by the Society of Garden and Landscape Designers (SGLD), with student and tutor achievements recognised across multiple categories.
Garden Design student Robbie Avey was awarded Design for the Environment, marking the third consecutive year that a West Dean student has won this prestigious category. Reflecting on the evening, Robbie said:
'The awards evening felt quite surreal, to be honest - suddenly being surrounded by designers we’ve studied and looked to for inspiration throughout the course. It means a great deal to have a project recognised in a room of that calibre. I’m incredibly grateful for the support from my tutors, classmates and West Dean throughout the year. I’ll carry this momentum with me as I enter the industry and apply everything we’ve learnt to professional practice to produce work with a meaningful impact.'
West Dean’s strength in environmentally responsive public realm design was further demonstrated by:
Victoria’s project, Restoring Roots: A Community Forest Garden, reimagines a once-industrial site as a thriving, regenerative landscape inspired by Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
The design transforms the site into a living landscape of regeneration, memory and hope. Woodland-inspired paths, growing spaces, forest school and gathering areas weave together biodiversity, harvests, learning and celebration, allowing people and nature to flourish side by side.
At the heart of the design are pocket forests inspired by a walking tour with SUGi, using the Miyawaki method to create fast-growing, biodiverse urban forests that capture carbon, cool the city, enrich soil and support wildlife, while offering communities meaningful opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Victoria reflected:
“I enjoyed how the course encouraged us to consider not just design principles, but the site’s history, environmental impact, and how every intervention could support surrounding land, wildlife, and biodiversity. It taught me that thoughtful design can simultaneously heal, connect, and nurture a regenerative future. I was honoured that it was nominated for the SGLD Design for the Environment Award. “
The celebrations extended beyond student achievements.
Design tutor Adolfo Harrison won both Garden Jewel and the overall Judges’ Award, while lecturer Miria Harris was recognised in the Large Residential Landscapes and Gardens category.
These results reflect the strength of West Dean’s garden design programme and the ambition of its students. With industry recognition at both emerging and professional levels, the School continues to shape designers ready to make meaningful, lasting impact.
