Category A
Small Village - 300 and under.
Village - 300 to 1000
Large Village - 1001 to 2500
Category B
Small Town 2501 to 6000
Town - 6001 to 12000
Large Town - 12001 to 35000
Category C
Small City - 35001 to 100000
City - 100001 to 200000
Large City - 200001 and over
South West in Bloom is one of eighteen regional/national competitions that make up
Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe.
The aim of the communities that take part each year is to improve and regenerate our
local environments, through the imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and
landscaping, conservation and recycling projects, and to sweep away the eyesores
that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.
Britain in Bloom, which is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, is focused on
four core pillars:
- horticultural excellence,
- community involvement,
- environmental friendliness
- sustainability.
Judging of your area takes place in July, using the criteria of the national Britain in
Bloom competition, which you will find enclosed within this pack. You will be awarded
a Gold, Silver-Gilt, Silver, Bronze or certificate of commendation based on marks
accumulated over the five disciplines: Floral displays (60 marks), Permanent
landscaping (60), Local Agenda 21 and sustainable development (30), Local
environmental quality (30) and public awareness (20).
The competitive element is designed to be fair to everyone, with entries grouped into
categories based on population taken from the electoral roll. (This figure is obtainable
from the Electoral Roll Officer at your local authority). You will see the categories on
the awards list enclosed, together with the additional awards issued at the judge’s
discretion. At the end of the year, the judges select a number of entries to represent
the region in the following year’s national Britain in Bloom.
To help you succeed, you will need to generate funding from your own funding
events, cash or benefits in kind from local business, or by attracting sponsorship or
grants.
Ideally, your committee will represent your community, working with representatives
from your local authority, local business, residents and gardening enthusiasts. The
benefits seen by existing communities involved in South West in Bloom include:
• Increased civic pride
• Long term improvements of local environments through planting and
cleanliness
• A boost to the local economy through increased visitors
• Regeneration of run down areas
• Co-operation between community groups
• And a means to address issues such as sustainability and recycling
Being involved in South West in Bloom promotes a tremendous sense of community,
and above all, its fun.
Britain in Bloom, supported by Shredded Wheat, invites you to join more than 1,000 communities already taking part in the largest horticultural campaign of its kind in Europe.
