Britain in Bloom judges arrive for their tour of Whitehaven

Cumberland Council’s Parks and Open Spaces team will represent the region in the 2023 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom UK Finals, for their work in Whitehaven.

Whitehaven will compete in the coastal town category and has been nominated for its 'outstanding wildflower displays, community engagement and nature conservation'.

The team was selected to represent Cumbria, following the success of the Cumbria in Bloom Gold Award.

During the tour, the team visited the Beacon, the grassland community area (with the National Trust volunteers), the flowering verges and stamp mural (worked on by Cumberland Council and the Ship Shapers), Whitehaven cemetary (by Community Payback), Mirehouse Pond (Angler Society), tree and wildflower areas (Rutland Avenue), Cartgate Allotments, Beck Bottom gardens, Roper Street historic society, Square Gullivers travel mural, St Nicholas' Church Gardens, the Harbour and the Bus Station sustainable flowerbeds.

Some of the flowerbeds the RHS judges were visiting (Image: Cumberland Council)

Mary Bagley and Geraldine King, who were both the Royal Horticultural Society judges said that they look for "local identity, pride and sustainability" when judging areas, as well as the core principles of "horticulture, enviroment, community participation and engagement."

The pair went on to discuss Whitehaven, they said: "We met with the team this morning and they made us feel welcome, they have a passion for what they want to deliver in order to make it a special community."

"Whitehaven is already in the finals, and that in itself already makes it a winner as it is one of the best in the country. This is all achieved by working together."

Councillor Anne Quilter, Cumberland Council’s executive member for vibrant and healthy places, said: “Our Green Spaces teams do a great job, day in day out - working in all weathers - to make sure our green and open spaces look so pristine.

“This hard work has been rewarded with an entry into the national Britain in Bloom competition.

"Whitehaven and its amazing parks and green spaces have been showcased to their judges and I would like to pass on my personal best wishes and thanks to the team that support this area.

"In addition to supporting the biodiversity of the area, they also ensure that Cumberland is an inviting place to live and visit.

The judges look across Whitehaven (Image: Newsquest)

“I would also like to thank Whitehaven Town Council as a funding partner, Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and local volunteer groups.

“This is the first time in 12 years since Whitehaven has been entered in to the national finals and I wish all the team the best of luck.”

The judges will finish their UK tour by the end of next week, and the winner will be annouced on October 23, 2023.