Amelia Speechley, Spence Agricultural Scholar 2025

My first year at the University of Nottingham has exceeded all expectations. I arrived looking forward to gaining hands-on experience and broadening my knowledge of this sector – I’ve gained all that and much more.

Academically, the regenerative agriculture and sustainability in agricultural systems modules were of particular interest to me, learning how farming has evolved in recent years and highlighting areas for further improvement. Beyond studies, joining the Agricultural Society has been one of my highlights of first year. Through regular Monday socials I have made so many friends. The stand-out experience was our end of year tour to Norfolk. It involved staying together in a manor house and visits to a range of farms and agricultural businesses. My favourite visit was to Nitrasol Fertilisers. It was fascinating to see a company with such success in their specialist area.

Alongside agriculture, I also joined the University Rowing Club. It has been an incredible experience, as well as a challenge, resulting in my first competitive medals, with 1st 2nd and 3rd across several events. Rowing introduced me to a wider range of people, allowing me to build friendships beyond my course.

The support of this scholarship has allowed me to take part in extracurriculars that would otherwise have been difficult, such as your expenses and day trips to agricultural shows.

I look forward to the next academic year, where I hope to build on everything learnt so far and aim to achieve both my PA1 test and Basis foundation in agronomy.