Swanage | Posted on December 29th, 2025 | return to news

Swanage Railway volunteers bloom 10 times in floral competition

Volunteers who maintain and develop five railway stations have won 10 awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in a regional competition.

The large haul of In Bloom awards was won by volunteers of Swanage Railway. Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden stations each received two Stations In Bloom awards from the South and South East in Bloom organisation with one of the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards for each station being sponsored by the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society founded in 1804.

One of the In Bloom competition judges, Derek Beer from Shaftesbury said: “The five Swanage Railway stations were flagship entries – involving horticulture, community involvement and environmental activity. Four of the stations justifiably achieved the highest possible awards.”

Derek Beer continued: “Having the privilege of being shown around the Swanage Railway stations, and meeting such incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers, I am so grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to meet them all again for next year’s competition.”

Swanage station won the South and South East In Bloom silver award, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the South and South East In Bloom neighbourhood award.

The Herston community halt won silver gilt, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the neighbourhood award in the level four thriving category.

Harman’s Cross station won gold, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the neighbourhood award in the level five outstanding category.

Corfe Castle station won silver gilt, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the neighbourhood award in the level four thriving category.

Norden station won gold, sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society, as well as the neighbourhood award in the level four thriving category.

Norden station volunteer Mike Brown said: “The friendly Norden station maintenance and gardening team was surprised, and honoured, to receive the Gold and Thriving awards.

“We take great pride in caring for Norden station – which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 – because first impressions count and we try to support the environment and biodiversity by encouraging native flora and fauna.

“We could not have achieved these awards without the hard work and support from the various teams at Norden. The certificates now hang with pride in our station waiting room at Norden along with other certificates,” he added.

Volunteer Corfe Castle station manager David Scott explained: “We take considerable pride in the restored Victorian station at Corfe Castle so presenting it to the best of our ability is very important to us.”

Bob Bunyar, one of the dedicated volunteers who helps maintain and develop Harman’s Cross station said: “It was very pleasing to receive two awards as the station team, particularly the gardeners, have put in a tremendous effort this year, especially doing extra watering due to the very dry conditions which were challenging.

“The Harman’s Cross station team is very dedicated and want to make the station look its best for our passengers – not only with its gardens but also like to use artifacts to enhance the feel of times gone by such as using old wheelbarrows, luggage trunks and the like for displays,” added Bob.

Herston community halt volunteer Frank Roberts explained: “The Herston Halt team was delighted to receive the award after what was a very hot summer.

“With Herston Halt being the smallest station on the Swanage Railway, our success this year recognises the effort of many dedicated members in the team, especially Marilyn Carter and Carol Wright who sadly lost her husband Pete in 2024.

“Pete was a regular Herston Halt volunteer for more than twenty years and we keep the station looking good in his memory,” added Frank.

Other In Bloom awards went to local councils and communities for large towns, cemeteries, gardens, beach fronts and community projects in Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, Surrey and Kent.

To find out more about volunteering at Swanage Railway visit swanagerailwaytrust.org/volunteering