As the Forest of Dean's only higher education provider, Hartpury University and Hartpury College are in a unique position to foster collaboration across and beyond the district, between community groups, businesses, education providers, and beyond. So this month Hartpury's Director of Business Development and director at FEP Stuart Emmerson has written a blog looking at just how they're collaborating across the county.
At Hartpury University and Hartpury College, community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s empowering young people, supporting local organisations, or driving innovation in rural industries, our staff and students are committed to making a positive impact across Gloucestershire. Over the past year, we’ve strengthened partnerships, expanded outreach initiatives, and championed opportunities that bring education, sport, and innovation closer to local communities.
Open Farm Sunday
One of the highlights of our community engagement has been our ongoing work with grassroots sport through the Sports Business Hub. Students from a wide range of courses have taken part in real-world learning experiences, providing coaching, business support, and event management for local clubs. By facilitating hands-on coaching sessions for children and community teams across Gloucestershire, we’re helping to develop the next generation of athletes while giving our students invaluable professional experience.
Sporting inspiration continues through our commitment to championing women in sport, with our exceptional women’s rugby players serving as role models throughout the region. Their involvement in schools, coaching workshops, and community events has encouraged girls and young women to explore opportunities in rugby and wider sport, reinforcing Hartpury’s position as a leader in talent development and equality.
Natasha Hunt takes a photo with students
Supporting rural industries remains a central focus for us as well. Our Digital Innovation Farm has been busy connecting local farmers with emerging agricultural technologies. Through demonstrations, training sessions, and collaborative projects, we’re helping farming communities access tools that improve sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. It’s an exciting time for agri-tech in Gloucestershire, and we’re proud to play a key role in shaping its future.
We’ve also continued our long-standing partnership with Riding for the Disabled (RDA) in Maisemore. This relationship not only enriches the lives of RDA participants but also offers our equine students a deeper understanding of inclusive practice and the transformative power of horses. In the Forest of Dean, we’re working closely with local schools to raise educational aspirations through our outreach team and to showcase Hartpury’s unique specialisms in sport, agriculture, animal, equine, and veterinary sciences. Through school visits, interactive workshops, and campus experiences, we’re helping young learners discover new interests, imagine future careers, and build confidence in their academic pathways.
HRH Princess Anne visits horses in the Riding for the Disabled scheme
Reflecting on the breadth of activity and collaboration with local communities, Stuart Emmerson, Director of Business Development at Hartpury University and Hartpury College, says: “Community is at the core of who we are at Hartpury. Our partnerships across Gloucestershire allow us to share our expertise, support local ambition, and create meaningful opportunities for people of all ages. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together, and excited about what comes next.
”We’re always looking to build new partnerships and deepen existing ones. If your organisation is interested in collaborating with Hartpury, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can continue to create opportunities and strengthen communities in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, regionally and internationally.”