Melcourt Senior Associate Catherine Dawson has been named the 2026 HortWeek Ambassador for Horticulture, recognising her outstanding contribution to the horticultural industry.
The award was presented at the Four Oaks Trade Show, one of the UK’s leading commercial horticultural events, and marks another significant recognition of Catherine’s contribution to growing media, peat-free horticulture and the wider industry.
Catherine joined Melcourt in 1992, bringing with her a background in Soil Science and extensive experience working with bark and growing media. Since then, she has played a central role in the development of Melcourt’s peat-free growing media, including the Sylvamix® professional range and SylvaGrow® retail range.
Her influence, however, extends far beyond Melcourt.
Over more than three decades, Catherine has shared her technical knowledge and experience across the horticultural industry. She is a former Chair of the Growing Media Association and has been closely involved with the development of the Responsible Sourcing Scheme for Growing Media, alongside contributing to numerous industry groups, research projects and initiatives.
Throughout her career, Catherine has been a strong advocate for high-performing, responsibly sourced growing media and for the continued development of peat-free horticulture based on sound science, practical experience and collaboration across the industry.
The HortWeek Ambassador for Horticulture recognition follows Catherine’s award of the prestigious RHS Veitch Memorial Medal in 2025, awarded to individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and improvement of the science and practice of horticulture.
Nikki Burton, Managing Director of Melcourt, said:
“Catherine’s contribution to Melcourt and to horticulture over the last three decades is difficult to put into words. Her knowledge and technical expertise are exceptional, but what makes Catherine particularly special is her willingness to share that knowledge with others.
“She has dedicated so much of her career to developing and improving peat-free growing media, while supporting growers, colleagues and the wider industry along the way.
“We are incredibly proud to see Catherine recognised as the 2026 HortWeek Ambassador for Horticulture. It is thoroughly deserved and another wonderful acknowledgement of everything she has contributed to our industry.”
Catherine remains actively involved in Melcourt and across the wider horticultural industry, continuing to support research, technical development and the transition towards responsibly sourced, high-performing growing media.