Recognising and rewarding results

 

how to grow a winning entry

Putting the environment and the community at the heart of Britain in Bloom

 

Judges are looking for the best, so don't hesitate to show them your showpiece areas.

 

Most entries also have less attractive areas and the judges will want to see the efforts being made for the longer-term future to improve eyesores and to disguise gap sites. In particular, no part of the entry should be littered and an active effort should be made to eliminate graffiti.

 

Judges will also be looking to see a well-considered approach to your local 'in Bloom' campaign in which you can provide evidence that you have the environment and the community at the heart of your activities.

 

Medals

Participants are visited by a team of two judges during the UK finals judging fortnight which takes place in the first two weeks of August each year. The judges will award medals based on the score achieved.

Gold

An exceptionally high standard demonstrated throughout. A consistent approach that demonstrates both best practice and sustainable effort. Meets all of the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom and scores very highly in each section of the judging criteria.

Silver-Gilt

A high standard entry that meets the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom, including sections of exceptionally high standard. Generally meets sustainable and quality thresholds, but these may not be entirely consistent throughout the area. Offers potential to be a Gold Medal winner in the future.

 

Silver

Considered to be an above-average entry that meets most of the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom. The entry will include more than one section that demonstrates exceptionally high standards. In particular, the entry will demonstrate good sustainable standards and the potential to progress to Silver-Gilt standard.

Bronze

An average entry that meets most but not necessarily all of the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom. The entry will include at least one section that demonstrates an exceptional standard. In general, the entry will meet acceptable sustainable standards and the potential to progress to Silver standard.

No Award

The entry may have a number of good merits and could well be the best area in its population size from the region. However, the entry has not met a sufficiently developed standard as required to achieve any of the Britain in Bloom medals.

 

 

 

 

Discretionary Awards

In addition to the general medals, the following discretionary awards are also presented each year at the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals Awards Ceremony to communities and/or individuals deserving of special recognition in particular areas.

RHS Britain in Bloom Floral Award
Presented to the finalist that demonstrated the best floral displays throughout the entry.

RHS Britain in Bloom Permanent Landscaping Award
Presented to the finalist that demonstrated new and extensive landscaping.

RHS Britain in Bloom Commercial Award

Presented to the finalist that demonstrated the best contribution from business / retail / corporate interests.

RHS Britain in Bloom Young People’s Award

Presented to the finalist deemed to involve young people in the best way.

RHS Britain in Bloom Conservation & Environment Award
Presented to the finalist that best demonstrated duty and commitment to sustainable development issues 

Special emphasis will be placed on initiatives that:

  • Conserve and maintain local plant and habitat distinctiveness
  • Encourage a diversity of flora and fauna
  • Protect coastal and marine areas e.g. habitats and unique features
  • Increase biodiversity – habitats and wildlife in particular
  • Make a contribution and commitment to natural and historic heritage of the local area

    • RHS Britain in Bloom Environmental Quality Award

    Looking after our environment has become a key expectation, and cleanliness and waste management are important aspects of the Britain in Bloom criteria. In this award, special emphasis will be placed on initiatives bringing improvements in one or more of the following areas:

  • Cleanliness: addressing issues of litter, dog fouling, graffiti, fly posting, treatment of weeds, condition of hard landscape and street furniture, condition of litter bins and dog bins.
  • Health and environment - improving air or noise quality.
  • Waste management (green waste in particular) - composting and the recycling of materials.
  • Management of naturally occurring resources -. minimisation of the use of water and heat conservation.
  • Soil degradation - addressing urban drainage issues.
  • Chemical use - pesticides and nitrate fertilisers.

    • RHS Britain in Bloom Tourism Award

    Presented to the finalist that demonstrated outstanding efforts to promote tourism within their area.

    RHS Britain in Bloom Public Park Award

    Given in Memory of David Welch. Presented to the park designed for horticultural excellence, giving delight to the visitor through appropriate planting, high standards of maintenance, including infrastructure, conserving wildlife and cleanliness. RHS Britain in Bloom Community Champion Award

    Presented to an individual or individuals who have dedicated so much of their time to the Britain in Bloom cause.

    RHS Britain in Bloom Outstanding Contribution Award Presented to an individual who judges consider has made outstanding efforts towards the success/ promotion of the Campaign.

    RHS Britain in Bloom Community Award

    Presented to the finalist deemed to have best demonstrated that all sectors of the community have worked together as one. RHS Britain in Bloom Local Roots Award

    This award recognises the efforts made by Britain in Bloom communities to encourage activities and links between their unique local history or present day cultural diversity within their community - one award will presented for incorporation of local history and one for incorporation of cultural diversity.