Royal Tunbridge Wells in Bloom
Having moved up this year from the Large Town category to the Small City category (based on population size) Royal Tunbridge Wells won gold medal and was the category winner.
In their notes on the town the judges said:
‘RTW has fantastic examples of horticulture from managing the more formal approach, such as bedding, together with the increasing development across the town of more sustainable horticulture. There are increasing examples of herbaceous perennial plantings within the parks and open spaces that surround the town, which are excellent for nature and improve sustainability.’
- Gold medals were also awarded to the town’s three largest parks Calverley Grounds, Dunorlan Park and Grosvenor and Hilbert Park.
- Woodbury Park Cemetery won gold in the Churchyard category.
- Tunbridge Wells Cemetery won gold for the Large Cemetery/crematorium category.
- Tunbridge Wells Common won a silver gilt and category winner for Large Common and Open Space.
- Barnett's Wood won silver for the Large Conservation category.
Volunteers and friends groups are an important aspect of successful park life in Royal Tunbridge Wells and that was reflected in awards also given to a number of the local friends groups.
Cabinet member councillor Wendy Fitzsimmons said:
‘Such brilliant news and so well deserved! Thank you to all our contractors, council officers and the volunteers who have made our town such a lovely place to live! Congratulations!’
South and South East in Bloom is part of Britain in Bloom and runs annual competitions across the counties of Kent, Surrey, East and West Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, East and North Dorset and East Wiltshire.
