The Young People in Horticulture Association (YPHA) has brought on board its seventh ambassador as it steps into its next phase as an organisation.

David Salisbury, director of Farplants, is the latest addition to the line-up, which already includes Chris Moncrieff, Liz Dowling, Pippa Greenwood, Michael Perry, Boyd Douglas-Davies and Jane Lawler.

Salisbury says the YPHA’s “commitment to education, innovation and creating a supportive community for under-35s is genuinely inspiring.”

Alongside his role at Farplants, he holds two non-executive positions in the not-for-profit sector. “His experience in business development, strategy and long-term planning brings a perspective that helps us make better decisions,” says YPHA committee member Sarah Want, associate director of MorePeople. “Having someone who can coach and challenge us as we strengthen the organisation is incredibly valuable.”

The YPHA recently announced that it would be moving its member communications back to WhatsApp, having switched to Discord when the group grew beyond the platform’s limits.

 Whilst Discord “bought us valuable time during a period of rapid growth,” YPHA committee member and HTA membership engagement manager Jeremy Costello says the newly introduced WhatsApp Communities feature is a better fit.

“This will help members connect more naturally, reduce fragmentation, and recentre the community in a single shared home as YPHA enters its next phase.”