Encouraging community pride, protecting the environment and career tips and advice will be the focus of a virtual event later this month bringing together Cumbria’s horticultural experts.

On Friday, Copeland MP Trudy Harrison will host a Facebook Live event with local garden, florist and nature specialists discussing a range of topics including: how communities can enhance their local areas; nature recovery; and environmental issues, as well as providing guidance on how to kickstart a blossoming career in the sector.

She said: “I’m really excited to be bringing together local specialists later this month to help provide information on a diverse range of subjects in the horticultural sector.

“Lockdown highlighted just how important access to nature is with many of our local parks and green spaces experiencing unprecedented demand during warmer days and, this week, as we mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we must remember the vital role that gardens and outdoor spaces played – and continue to play – on our physical, mental health and wellbeing.

“Access to nature and green space should be at the heart of our recovery.”

The MP will be joined by florist Lisa Robson from Jean’s Flower Boutique in Whitehaven, senior National Trust gardener Heather Birkertt, Peter Frost-Pennington of Muncaster Castle, Liz Auld of Cumbria Bloom, and Cody Smith, a keen young gardener and business owner who recently appeared on BBC’s Gardeners World.

The event will be streamed live from the MP’s Facebook page between 1pm and 2pm that day.