Celebrating the communities shining in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2026

Behind every green corner, flower bed and meadow bursting with pollinators is often a Britain in Bloom group striving to make a difference in its community. Equipped with shovels and immense passion, these dedicated volunteers work tirelessly from north to south, east to west, to nurture people, wildlife and the places around them. Here are some of the outstanding winners from the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2026 .

The Young Champion Awards recognise inspiring individuals aged 21 or younger at the time of their nomination. Among them this year are Florence, from  Fletching Parish Council (Village category), and Oliver, from Washington Village in Bloom Society (Village category).

Florence, Fletching Parish Council, East Sussex

Teenager Florence from Fletching, East Sussex, impressed Britain in Bloom judges with her enthusiasm for projects that help connect people with nature.

Florence played a key role in transforming a derelict phone box into a ‘community buzz box’ for exploring the local natural environment. Working alongside her mentor, Grace Garland, she helped research, plan and design the project, carefully considering what should be included and how it should be displayed. The finished buzz box offers a range of resources to encourage people to get outdoors and discover nature including identification charts, magnifying glasses, rugs and even a seed-swap station.  
 
“Florence and Grace painted, illustrated and labelled everything and Florence enjoyed showing residents what’s inside and how items can be used,” said Gabriella Paterson-Griggs, Clerk of Fletching Parish Council. “It’s already proving hugely popular with members of our community.” Work is now underway to create maps highlighting local footpaths and walking routes, which will be available for everyone to use through the buzz box. 

In 2026, Florence also supported a local BioBlitz event and helped prepare the High Street for Britain in Bloom judging day. From sweeping and weeding to baking cakes, she has shown a remarkable commitment to making her community a greener and more welcoming place.

Oliver, Washington Village in Bloom Society, Tyne and Wear

An active supporter of Washington Village in Bloom Society, Oliver is well known and highly respected within the group, contributing practical advice, sharing horticultural knowledge and supporting local projects that enhance the village’s environment. His passion for climate issues, conservation and sustainable living aligns strongly with the values that underpin Britain in Bloom. 

“Oliver’s understanding of plants, soil composition, growing conditions, nutrient requirements and biodiversity

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

is extraordinary,” said Britain in Bloom judges Rae Beckwith and Mary Bagley. “He can confidently identify species using both common and Latin names and explain the precise conditions required for successful growth.”

“Perhaps the greatest measure of Oliver’s success is not how much he knows about gardening, but the impact he has on the people around him,” added Oliver’s headteacher, Miss Scott. “He shares his knowledge freely. He gives his time to his community. He cares deeply about the environment and encourages others. He demonstrates how finding something you truly care about can build confidence, support wellbeing and create opportunities to make a genuine difference. Oliver is knowledgeable, dedicated, compassionate and inspirational. He is a wonderful ambassador for our school.”

For 2026, 12 volunteers were recognised with Community Champion Awards for their exceptional commitment and dedication to the Britain in Bloom cause in their communities. Among them is Lisa Oulton, from Dover in Bloom (Coastal category).

Lisa Oulton, Dover in Bloom, Kent

Lisa Oulton is the Director and founder of Future Foundry , a Dover-based Community Interest Company working with young people aged 10–25 to build confidence, skills and leadership through creative and cultural practice. The organisation leads Dover in Bloom.

Lisa Oulton (right) with young people taking part in Future Foundry projects

Future Foundry was founded in 2012 in response to the persistent barriers young people face when entering the creative industries, particularly those without access to family or professional networks. Drawing on her own experience of youth unemployment and subsequent work in the creative sector, Lisa established the organisation to provide young people with the connections, training and opportunities they need to pursue creative careers.

More recently, Future Foundry has been deeply involved in Dover in Bloom, placing young people at the centre of environmental work, such as planting native

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

species, restoring habitats, improving green spaces and helping shape a more biodiverse, welcoming and resilient Dover. The group itself grew from conversations with young people about their town, nature and neglected public spaces. 

“We’re making meaningful improvements today while laying the foundations for an even greener, more connected future,” said Lisa.

Each Britain in Bloom UK Finals judging pair selected a group from its judging category to celebrate for making a positive impact on the community. Among them are Grimsby in Bloom (Small City & City category), Catterall in Bloom (Large Village category) and Grassington in Bloom (Village category).

Grimsby in Bloom, North East Lincolnshire

“The Pavilion Café and Community Gardens in Grimsby is one of those places that you hope to find during a judging tour,” said Britain in Bloom judges Rob Dowling and James Cordingley. “Before even entering, the street has containers packed with flowering plants. The garden is a former bowling green developed into a community space by Elaine Atkinson and Craig Doyley and features raised fruit and vegetable growing areas, a wildlife pond and wildflower

A term generally applied to non-woody, flowering plants that are natural to a particular area and grow there without human assistance. More accurately, British wildflowers normally applies to UK natives including plants introduced into the wild before 1500.

areas, rose beds, a green roof and a seating area for the café surrounded by seasonal plants and herbs.”

Wildlife pond at The Pavilion Café and Community Gardens, where Grimsby in Bloom volunteers are based

The café is run by volunteers and provides affordable food and drinks, serving as a welcoming hub for the local community. An additional covered seating area was built by volunteers to further enhance the space. 

Grimsby in Bloom has its office and meeting space here. The group coordinates educational activities and community initiatives and, behind the buildings, it also grows thousands of plants in several polytunnels, which are then used in hanging baskets, barrier planters and floral displays across the town centre.

Also located within the community garden is The Repair Shop. Led by Elaine’s husband, Glyn, it provides opportunities for volunteers to develop practical skills by repairing items brought in by local residents that might otherwise end up in landfill, such as old clocks or gramophones. The workshop supports Grimsby in Bloom’s activities by making planters from reclaimed materials and undertaking various community projects.  
 
“The Pavilion Café and Community Garden represents everything that is important about Britain in Bloom. It combines excellence in community gardening with care for the local environment and outstanding community engagement through training, events and activities,” added the judges.

Catterall in Bloom, Lancashire

Bloom judges were bowled over by Catterall in Bloom’s sustainable gardening ethos, incorporating eco-friendly planning, permanent planting features and local biodiversity

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems.

into village spaces.

The displays created by the group feature an excellent mix of carefully selected pollinator

Anything that moves pollen e.g. from one flower to another. Insects such as bees are important pollinators.

-friendly herbaceous perennials, ornamental grasses and shrubs. They offer abundant colour, seasonal interest and varied textures. “These prominent displays demonstrate first-class horticulture, and some would not look out of place at an RHS Flower Show ," said judges Andrew Jackson and Alan Hulme.

April Haxby

Stone Cross Gardens

Organic growing methods are used throughout the village. Rainwater is harvested via several water butts located at the village hall and Stone Cross Gardens, helping to reduce reliance on mains water. Watering is carried out using a solar-powered water bowser, while mulches are applied to planting beds to minimise water loss through evaporation. The group is also trialling sheep’s wool as a weed suppressant and slug deterrent around hostas, as well as using it to improve water retention in containers. 

A composting area at Queen Elizabeth II Playing Field processes all the group’s green waste

Plant-based waste that is suitable for composting, such as dead leaves, clippings from pruning or grass mowing and discarded annuals. Many local councils have green waste recycling schemes if home composting isn't an option.

, ensuring valuable organic material is reused rather than discarded. No herbicides or pesticides

Pesticides are substances designed to kill or control the growth and behaviour of living organisms. They are also known as plant protection products and include insecticides, fungicides, herbicides and molluscicides. The RHS doesn’t support the use of pesticides and recommends that gardeners use non-chemical control options whenever needed.

are used by the group, and new planting schemes feature bare root perennials. All plants are sourced from local nurseries and compost

Can refer to either home-made garden compost or seed/potting compost: Garden compost is a soil improver made from decomposed plant waste, usually in a compost bin or heap. It is added to soil to improve its fertility, structure and water-holding capacity. Seed or potting composts are used for growing seedlings or plants in containers - a wide range of commercially produced peat-free composts are available, made from a mix of various ingredients, such as loam, composted bark, coir and sand, although you can mix your own.

is supplied in bulk by a nearby company that recycles green waste collected by the local council.

Grassington in Bloom, Yorkshire

Grassington in Bloom volunteers received a Judges’ Highlight for their outstanding work helping local primary school children learn about gardening, food growing and wildlife.

The group has established a thriving gardening club that is open to all pupils. They have created raised beds and a pond, refurbished a tool shed, produced their own compost and installed a water butt in the school grounds to promote sustainable gardening. 

Grassington in Bloom volunteers have refurbished a tool shed and created raised beds at the local primary school

Children now take an active role in every part of the garden, from growing flowers and vegetables to caring for two beehives. Pupils as young as eight confidently help look after the bees and share their knowledge with staff and visitors. They also grow produce, which is then shared with the local community to strengthen links beyond the school gates.

Other projects carried out with the help of Grassington in Bloom volunteers include sunflower-growing competitions, butterfly life-cycle studies, tadpole observation, a willow-weave teepee and the creation of a hedgehog house. Well-designed interpretation sheets and flashcards further support their horticultural and environmental education.

There are eight categories in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2026: Village, Large Village, Small Town, Town, Large Town, Small City & City, Coastal, Town Centres & City Centres. Each of the 44 finalists competing are doing an amazing job making a real difference in their communities. A winner is selected for each category. Find out more about two of them, North Berwick in Bloom and Truro in Bloom.

North Berwick in Bloom, Scotland

Each year, North Berwick in Bloom volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours to their town. The group has been crowned the Coastal category winner at this year’s Britain in Bloom UK Finals thanks to a wealth of horticultural gems that consistently demonstrated high standards.

From the eye-catching seasonal bedding displays in The War Memorial Garden to the diverse range of gardens and planting schemes within The Lodge – an 11-hectare town-centre park – horticultural excellence is evident throughout. The park features a summer subtropical bed, a restored Edwardian rockery and woodland areas containing rare trees such as Sorbus arranensis , planted as part of a programme to conserve native

A native plant is one that originated or arrived naturally in a particular place without human involvement. In the British Isles, native plants are those that were here during the last ice age or have arrived unaided since.

Scottish species. 

Bloom volunteers contribute more than 3,000 hours each year in North Berwick

During 2026, the seaside town faced significant environmental challenges, with severe storms damaging sand dunes and parts of the coastline. Working alongside the local council and golf course contractors, volunteers helped restore these habitats by planting marram grass to stabilise the dunes and reduce erosion.

Alongside practical gardening activities, the volunteers place a strong emphasis on social wellbeing, operating a buddy system and working with health and social care professionals to support referrals into volunteering opportunities. 

A strong spirit of partnership underpins the group's work. They continue to lead their own events and initiatives while actively supporting those organised by other local organisations. A standout example is the community orchard established in 2023, which now contains more than 50 fruit trees planted by a wide range of groups, including the Brownies, Guides, Rotary and the Community Council.

North Berwick in Bloom volunteers cutting mallow, an invasive plant that poses a threat to local wildlife such as puffin

Truro in Bloom, Cornwall

From tropical displays in the Victoria Gardens to the vibrant kerbside planting along Fairmantle Street, Truro in Bloom volunteers have demonstrated how an eclectic mix of unusual species can thrive in Cornwall’s conditions. The group has topped the Large Town category at this year’s Britain in Bloom UK Finals.

Judges Roger Burnett and Dale Hector said: “This historic city boasts something for everyone in a safe and clean environment with all interests catered for, whether you are a resident or one of the many visitors who come to Cornwall every year.”

The judges were impressed by the group’s partnership with the Town Council, Cornwall Council and the Business Improvement District, as well as contractors and the wider community. 

One of these collaborations with the local authorities enabled the newly established Truro Grit team to improve the appearance of the city through bollard painting and graffiti removal. The group was set up to help care for areas that might otherwise suffer from stretched budgets, promoting a greater sense of pride in the maintenance of public spaces.

Similarly, the Friends of Daubuz Moor have worked alongside the Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Cornwall Council’s Parks Department to improve accessibility at Daubuz Moor, an 18-acre wildlife site. Recognising that sections of the riverside walk could be difficult to access in wet conditions, the group created new paths while maintaining high ecological standards, ensuring that both people and wildlife can continue to benefit from the nature reserve.

Other stories from the Britain in Bloom UK Finals 2026:

“Trees are our legacy”: How Stonehouse is growing a town into an arboretum

Llanwrtyd celebrates centuries of heritage in an explosion of flowers

Young people growing common ground in Dover

Rugby’s vision for a nature-friendly town