We’re delighted to let you know that Wrexham was awarded Gold and ‘City’ category winner at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom 2024 awards recently.
The awards ceremony took place on Monday, October 21 at Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.
Wrexham claimed the Gold Award in the City category and fended off tough competition from Bonnie Dundee, Scotland and London Borough of Havering, London to be crowned as category winner. Frances Tophill, one of the presenters of the BBC’s Gardeners’ World presented the award.
Representing Wrexham at the awards were Cllr Nigel Williams as Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, Nicola Ellis, Craig Youens and Jacinta Challinor from our Environment Team, Andrea Evans from Wrexham Litter Pickers, and Elly Evans and Jim Crabtree from Erlas Walled Garden.
Elly Evans from Erlas Walled Garden received a Community Champion award which highlights individuals who have made exceptional contributions to local green spaces, inspiring volunteers and driving positive change.
Britain in Bloom inspires community groups in towns, cities and villages to make positive changes to their local environment through horticultural, environmental and community action.
“Wrexham has it all”
Darren Share and Jon Wheatley, Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Wrexham has it all from high-quality seasonal displays to wildlife gardening, young gardeners in schools to those able to pass on their considerable knowledge.” The judges also praised the group’s successful urban gardening and biodiversity projects.
Further feedback stated: ‘The city’s commitment to biodiversity is extensive and supported by rigorous wildlife monitoring to ensure targets are achieved. There are 20 wildflower meadows complemented by numerous wildflower-sponsored traffic islands providing valuable havens for wildlife, especially bees and butterflies.
‘There is also a focus on planting trees for long-term benefits and the city has gained Tree Cities of the World status.
‘Wrexham’s successful waste prevention programme is also impressive – thanks to initiatives such as an education centre, re-use shop, repair café and tool lending service.
‘Innovative sensors monitor when to water planters – a great way to conserve water.’
“A team effort, full of hard work and dedication”
Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, who attended the ceremony, said: “We’re immensely proud of this achievement, following on from the gold at the Wales in Bloom awards recently. It’s been a team effort, full of hard work and dedication from everyone involved, and to be recognised as City category winners at Britain in Bloom 2024 means an awful lot. The judges’ comments and feedback really shows how impressed they were with the variety of initiatives that have been put into place around the county.”
“You are all truly inspirational people”
Wrexham was proud to represent the whole of Wales at the Britain in Bloom awards.
Peter Barton-Price, Chairman of Wales in Bloom, said: “Can I take this opportunity to add both my personal and Wales in Bloom’s congratulations to you all on your outstanding achievement in this year’s Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom Awards.
“Achieving a Gold standard in all three sections of the judging criteria clearly shows your commitment to the natural environment, green spaces and education, it’s clear to see the people of Wrexham are truly supportive of these initiatives and have in turn raised a small army of volunteers to support their city.
“This forward thinking approach so deservedly culminated in Wrexham in Bloom achieving their Gold Award and overall City Category Winner 2024, you are all truly inspirational people and have represented not only Wrexham but also Wales at the highest level.
“Once again, ‘congratulations’ to you all.”
You can read about the judges’ visit to Wrexham during August in our previous blog.
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