Southport once again showcases its green-fingered expertise at North West in Bloom competition

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Community groups across the Borough have once again been recognised for their green-fingered expertise for the 2021 North West in Bloom competition.

Volunteer groups from Ainsdale, Bootle, Litherland, Netherton, Maghull, Crosby, Seaforth, Southport and Waterloo were enthusiastically involved in this year’s celebration following the cancellation of the official competition in 2020.

In July, the North West in Bloom judges visited each location to see for themselves the good work the volunteers have been doing, despite the difficulties posed by the continuation of some Covid-19 restrictions.

Despite the obstacles they faced, Sefton’s gardening enthusiasts have once again showcased their skills by maintaining flower beds, supporting community initiatives and creating wonderful displays.

So much so that 38 entrants were recognised by the judges with the following awards: Thriving, Advancing, Outstanding, Silver and Gold. Special recognition was also awarded to seven Sefton entrants:

  • Ainsdale in Bloom – Best Town, Gold Award
  • Botanic Gardens Community Association, Southport – Five Years Outstanding Award
  • Cheyne Close, Crosby - Five Years Outstanding Award
  • Crosby and Waterloo in Bloom – Silver Gilt, Clean Sweep Award
  • Maghull Station Volunteers – Best Railway Station, Outstanding Award
  • Southport in Bloom – Best Large Coastal Resort, Gold Award
  • Southport Model Engineering Club - Five Years Outstanding Award

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“The Green Sefton team has been absolutely bowled over by the determination and commitment of our green-fingered community groups and volunteers who’ve created such wonderful displays and been involved in great outdoor projects this year.

“Not only do their continued efforts help to make our Sefton greener, but they also help to bring communities together making them stronger and happier. We’ve all enjoyed spending time outdoors, perhaps more than ever in recent times, and having passionate gardeners across our Borough looking after our valued green spaces has really enhanced our time spent outdoors.

“What’s more is that many of these displays help to boost our Borough’s biodiversity, attracting many pollinators that are vital in the natural fight against climate change that we’ve heard so much about recently.”

North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that administers the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside, and is one of the 18 regions and Nations that comprise Britain in Bloom.

Sefton Council’s Green Sefton Service – who help co-ordinate North West in Bloom within the Borough – are encouraging residents to think ahead now to next year when it is hoped the competition will go ahead without any restrictions on activities.

Green Sefton officers are also keen for volunteer groups to think about the most environmentally friendly ways to maintain their future displays and arrangements. Ensuring that nature can thrive and act as natural mitigation to today’s climate concerns.

Anyone interested in becoming involved can email [email protected]

For more information on taking a more active role in community gardening the RHS has lots of helpful resources, simply visit: https://www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/community-gardening