Bournemouth’s parks and open spaces have been recognised by judges from the South and South East in Bloom once again this year.
It has been a record breaking year for the town with the award of 12 golds and four silver gilts as well as winning the town award for the best in Dorset and for large coastal resort.
All areas of the borough tasted triumph from the Townsend Together Team to the Kinson Nature Reserve, Springbourne and Swanmore Gardens.
Boscombe Overcliff Gardens, Bournemouth Lower Gardens, Hengistbury Head and North Cemetery all won gold in their respective categories while there were first time gold awards for Alum Chine and Stour Valley Nature Reserve.
There was also success in the ‘It’s your Neighbourhood awards’ with community groups from Pokesdown, Moore Avenue, and Moordown all recognised. The Friends of Boscombe Chine Gardens and of Roumelia Lane along with Springbourne in Bloom and Springbourne Pocket Park Community Garden also achieved success.
Councillor Lawrence Williams, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Tourism and Arts, said: “These results are fantastic and show just what can be achieved when the Council and the community join forces to improve our local environment. It fills me with civic pride to know we have created parks and gardens in Bournemouth of the highest standard that we can truly be proud of.”
Bournemouth in Bloom were an important part of the success especially in Bournemouth achieving the large coastal resort category.
Chairman of Bournemouth in Bloom, the Reverend Chris Colledge said, “My thanks must go to local residents who have done the real physical work to make our gardens what they are. The awards are testament to the tremendous community effort that has gone on to make our homes and community spaces somewhere we can all enjoy and admire.”
All entrants were assessed by judges to a consistent standard, gold being classed as outstanding and silver as very good.
