West Kirby in Bloom has won a top award for its work at Hilbre View Gardens.
The community group was graded ‘outstanding’ in the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award.
The prize celebrates communities coming together to transform local spaces through horticulture, sustainability and community spirit.
In July this year, RHS judges attended Hilbre View Gardens along with members of Wirral Council to view the area, and spoke to volunteers about the re-development work which has been completed since they took over caring for the landmark entrance to West Kirby.
The group were keen to recreate some of the original features of the area, such as reestablishing the rockeries, along with introducing a more modern element linked to West Kirby being a coastal town.
The judges felt that all the boxes had been ticked in connection with their three levels of assessment: community participation, environmental initiatives such as recycling and composting, and gardening achievement including design features, standard of maintenance and overall improvement of the area.
Members of West Kirby in Bloom collecting the award
Sharon Ackerley, a West Kirby in Bloom volunteer who attended the prize-giving ceremony in Bolton, said: “We’re delighted to have received such high praise and recognition from the RHS with this award.
“RHS judges attending on the day reiterated to us that they were particularly impressed by the community’s commitment to sustainability.
“They noted that we have embraced eco-friendly practices such as composting, using rainwater harvesting systems and planting species that support local wildlife – something we strive for in all our work across areas of West Kirby.”
Chair of West Kirby in Bloom, Martin Shea, added: “West Kirby in Bloom continues to welcome volunteers – from schoolchildren to senior citizens – to get involved in growing and caring for plants.
“We would collectively like to thank all our local sponsors, public donations and grants from the Wirral Together Fund for their ongoing support.”
If you would be interested in volunteering with West Kirby in Bloom, email Martin Shea at westkirbyinbloom@gmail.com.
