Transforming local spaces

Across the UK, towns, cities, and villages are coming togethre to brighten their communities through Britain in Bloom

Britain in Bloom is one of the UK’s largest horticultural campaigns, encouraging communities to enhance their local environments through gardening, sustainability initiatives, and civic pride. It brings together volunteers, local councils, and businesses to beautify towns, cities, and villages across the country.

Since 2002, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has been the official organiser of Britain in Bloom. The RHS oversees the campaign, sets judging criteria, and provides guidance and support to participating communities. Britain in Bloom is a year-round competition where community groups compete on a regional or national level, using gardening to transform their local areas.

How does it work?

Britain in Bloom is a year-round competition that allows community groups to compete by improving their local environments through gardening. Participating groups can join one of 16 regional and national Britain in Bloom competitions across the UK. Each competition encourages groups to create projects that enhance their communities, with the possibility of progressing to the UK Finals. These finals involve the most successful communities across the country and are organised by the RHS.

Community groups of all sizes can take part in the competition, from small villages to large cities. Groups choose activities that benefit their local area, such as greening up grey, disused spaces with local people, creating and caring for public community gardens, and inspiring people across the community to enjoy the benefits of gardening. Additionally, many groups help to create school gardens and food-growing initiatives, sow wildflower meadows, build wildlife habitats, and maintain conservation areas.

There are 16 regional and national Britain in Bloom competitions around the UK. Upon registering, groups join the competition closest to their area. If a group performs well in their regional or national competition, they can be nominated to participate in the UK Finals, where the highest-achieving communities from across the country are recognised. Community groups are active in their local areas throughout the year. The finalists are announced in late January, before being visited by Bloom judges during the summer, who assess their level of achievement. The winners are then announced at a national ceremony in October.

Aims

The primary goals of Britain in Bloom are to enhance green spaces by encouraging the planting of flowers, trees, and greenery in both urban and rural areas. The initiative also promotes environmental responsibility by advocating for biodiversity, sustainability, and eco-friendly gardening practices. It aims to foster community engagement by encouraging people of all ages to participate, helping to build social connections and civic pride. Additionally, Britain in Bloom seeks to generate economic and social benefits by improving the aesthetic appeal of towns and villages, attracting visitors, and boosting local economies.

Benefits of taking part

Taking part in Britain in Bloom has several positive impacts. It can lead to an increase in visitor numbers, which strengthens the local economy. The initiative fosters a stronger sense of pride in the community. It also helps create a cleaner and greener environment, raising environmental awareness and making the area more pleasant to live in and visit. Additionally, the initiative encourages the formation of new partnerships between local authorities, businesses, and community groups, which can lead to more funding opportunities to support specific activities. Increased volunteer participation further amplifies the impact of these efforts, allowing groups to achieve more and create lasting improvements in their communities.

Britain in Bloom 2025

The 44 finalists for the Britain in Bloom 2025 UK Finals have been announced, with 13 of them being first-time finalists, including Conwy in Bloom, Uppingham in Bloom, and Torquay in Bloom. Returning finalists include Amersham in Bloom, who won the RHS Community Award for Gardening with Young People in 2024, and Aberdeen Communities Together, who topped the City category in 2023. These community gardening groups will compete in eight categories for an RHS Gold, Silver Gilt, Silver, or Bronze award, with one category winner ultimately named the Overall Winner for 2025.

The finalists, selected from across the UK, will be judged on their environmental, community engagement, and horticultural efforts. Many groups have expanded their activities to address issues like mental health, biodiversity, and community cohesion, often engaging with schools or vulnerable groups. Britain in Bloom is not only about improving public spaces but also about fostering a sense of pride and ownership within local communities. Judges will visit the finalists in the summer, with winners announced in the autumn. 

Pak Ling Wan, RHS Community Programme Manager, highlighted the positive impact of gardening on both local communities and individual well-being, emphasising its role in tackling environmental challenges and bringing people together.

Conwy in Bloom

Conwy in Bloom is a year-round initiative aimed at improving the local environment by making the county cleaner and more vibrant. The local authority works closely with town councils to support their entries and encourages broader community involvement, including residents, businesses, schools, and local groups. The campaign focuses on environmental and horticultural excellence, enhancing the landscape and the overall character of Conwy. Each year, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno participate in Wales in Bloom, a national campaign promoting environmental practices and celebrating the beauty of the country.

Whitchurch in Bloom

Whitchurch in Bloom began in 2020 during the Covid pandemic lockdown, when three residents decided to bring some cheer to the town by planting bulbs around Whitchurch. Their vision was to brighten the town during a difficult time, and they encouraged local residents to participate. Many donated bulbs, and thousands were planted, with participants feeling uplifted as the flowers bloomed. What started as a small initiative has now grown into a dedicated team of volunteers who work to maintain the town’s beauty by planting flowers, keeping the area tidy, and promoting pride in the local environment. Whitchurch in Bloom is also committed to improving biodiversity by rewilding areas of the town.

Southport in Bloom

Southport has been named one of four finalists in the Coastal category.

Cllr Mhairi Doyle, cabinet member for public health and wellbeing, said: “Congratulations to the 44 community gardening groups who have secured a place in the 2025 Britain in Bloom UK Finals. 

“It is truly inspiring to see Southport in Bloom as one of four finalists in the Coastal category.         

“Community gardening gives people a sense of pride and ownership over the public spaces they use, making communities cleaner and greener. 

“However, the finalists are judged not only on horticulture and the environment but also on community impact and engagement. 

“Southport has demonstrated how strong, compassionate, and united this community is in immeasurable ways in recent times. Flowers and floral displays especially, have now become a powerful symbol of our united desire to heal as a community. 

“Making it to the national final of such a prestigious award recognises how blooming special our volunteers and local communities are.”