UPTON in Bloom has been selected from more than 600 entrants to take part in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom UK Finals.
The dedicated group is one of 72 finalists from across the UK and will contest for glory in the ‘Large Village’ category.
RHS Britain in Bloom is the UK’s largest community gardening campaign which involves up to 300,000 volunteers who in cities, towns, villages, urban communities and neighbourhoods work together to improve their local environment, using gardening as a tool.
Groups are assessed on a wide range of initiatives, such as the maintenance of parks and communal gardens, the management of natural spaces, community campaigns to promote recycling and environmental awareness, and projects involving local residents and schools.
And impressed judges selected Upton In Bloom for its outstanding commitment to environmental responsibility, community participation and gardening achievement.
In August Upton in Bloom’s passionate volunteers will be showing off their commitment to a greener, healthier Britain by leading RHS Britain in Bloom judges on a tour of local projects and initiatives in the hope of being awarded Gold at the annual award ceremony in October.
In recognition of challenges some RHS Britain in Bloom 2016 UK finalists face as a result of the recent floods, the RHS has created a new award to honour those who have battled against adversity.
The RHS discretionary award for overcoming adversity will recognise those groups that have worked in difficult circumstances to put the bloom back into their towns, villages and cities across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Jersey and Guernsey.
Jackie Surtees, chairman of Upton In Bloom, said: “Upton in Bloom is very proud to represent the Heart of England in the national finals. With the help of our community we hope to achieve a Gold award for Upton upon Severn this year.”
Andrea Van Sittart, RHS Head of Community Outreach, added: “We would like to congratulate Upton in Bloom for reaching the UK finals of RHS Britain in Bloom. It’s a tremendous achievement and illustrates the groups’ impressive commitment to improving their local environment.
“Volunteers of all ages and all walks of life participate in Bloom, making extraordinary efforts to improve streets and neighbourhoods in towns, villages and cities across Britain. It is vital we celebrate and recognise their efforts to strengthen their communities and inspire others to get involved.”
