Britain in Bloom

Britain in Bloom is an all-inclusive campaign, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society to encourage communities of all sizes to make positive and lasting improvements to their local areas. The campaign is the largest of it kind in Europe and incorporates annual floral features; permanent planting; hay and wildflower meadows; naturalised woodland flower, shrub and tree planting; encouraging biodiversity and sustainable use of natural resources, fruit and vegetable gardening and much, more. Other core elements of the competition include environmental cleanliness; and tackling issues of litter, graffiti, vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Competitors are encouraged to involve all sectors of the community, such as town centre management, businesses, community and church groups, volunteers and schools to boost civic pride and help retain a local identity. Britain in Bloom also promotes good practice in the environment by encouraging recycling, the establishment of conservation areas and other sustainable projects.
The competition is held in regional heats, with winners of gold awards going through to the national finals.

Entries to the competition are judged on three elements:

A 30 page portfolio

Tour of the Town by Judges

Photographic exhibition demonstrating the work undertaken in the Town over the previous year

Each year Aylesbury enters the Britain in Bloom Competition. Although the Town Council organises each the submission, it does incorporate the excellent work of Bucks County Council, Aylesbury Vale District Council, Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust and many other organisations.

Each Winter Members and Officers of Aylesbury Town Council plan floral displays for the Summer. Every Spring the Town Council takes a hard look at the Town Centre. Then all sorts of jobs are tackled: setts and paving stones are re-laid, street furniture is repainted, graffiti is cleaned up and rubbish and eyesores are tackled.

The outcome of their hard work, year after year, is a most glorious display of flowers and shrubs in Aylesbury. Throughout the Spring and Summer residents and visitors voice their appreciation and enjoyment of the roundabout beds, planters, troughs and hanging baskets which brightened up the Town Centre.

Last year’s outcome was a Silver Gilt award in the Regional Britain in Bloom Competition, and we have received Special Regional Awards in recognition of our outstanding roundabouts, roadsides and verges, and our beautiful ‘Riverside Walk’.