17 September 2026

 

Award-winning British garden designer and television presenter Danny Clarke has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural University (RAU).

Danny, who is one of the UK’s leading garden designers, shot to fame in 2015 when he joined fellow presenter Helen Skelton to host the BBC’s Instant Gardener programme where unloved outdoor spaces are transformed in a single day.

Born to parents who immigrated from Jamaica, Danny initially worked in sales before deciding, at the age of 42, that his future lay elsewhere and pursuing a career in horticulture, studying garden design at Hadlow College. 

Better known as The Black Gardener, Danny was presented with his Honorary Fellowship in recognition of his contribution to horticulture, his work to make gardening and green spaces more accessible to wider communities, and his commitment to encouraging greater diversity within the land-based sector.

Receiving his honour at today's Graduation ceremony at the University’s Cirencester campus, Danny said: “I am really honoured to receive this recognition from an institution with such a long history of educating and inspiring people in the land-based sector.

“When my agent called to tell me that I’d been asked to be an Honorary Fellow of the RAU, I honestly thought he was having me on, but to receive this recognition is a real privilege. We all bear a huge responsibility for the planet but, for me, it’s is all about legacy – I want to do everything I can to help make the world a better place for future generations.

“I hope that my own journey can encourage others, particularly those who may not traditionally see themselves represented in horticulture or working in the land-based sector, to believe that there is a place for them in this industry.”

Danny received his Honorary Fellowship at the RAU’s annual Graduation ceremony where he was recognised alongside the University's graduating students and pioneering conservationist Sir Charles Burrell who was presented with the University’s Alumnus of the Year award.

Danny’s Honorary Fellowship reflects the University’s commitment to celebrating people who are making a significant contribution to the land-based sector and helping to shape its future.

Will Marsh, Director of External Relations at the RAU, who presented Danny for his Honorary Fellowship, said: “Danny is an inspirational advocate for horticulture and the transformative power of connecting people with nature. 

“His career demonstrates the contribution that horticulture can make far beyond the garden itself – improving wellbeing, bringing communities together, supporting biodiversity, and inspiring people from all backgrounds to engage with the natural world.

“The RAU exists to advance sustainable land use, environmental leadership, and the education of future generations and Danny’s work reflects these values in action. 

“Through his advocacy of environmental responsibility, his commitment to widening access to horticulture, and his dedication to inspiring young people to engage with the natural world, he has made an exceptional contribution to public life and to the future of our environment.

“Danny’s work to champion diversity and encourage a new generation to discover the opportunities within horticulture makes him an outstanding recipient of an Honorary Fellowship. We are delighted to recognise his achievements and welcome him to the RAU community.”