Published: 15/02/2023
COPELAND 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.
The team 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 for its horticulture work in Whitehaven, in partnership with Whitehaven Town Council.
The area was awarded full marks for plants ‘being vibrant and growing to their full potential’, and high scores for gardening and horticultural activity, consideration of the environment, and community participation.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the expertise and commitment of our Parks and Open spaces team is being recognised at a national level.
“We were inundated with positive feedback regarding our picturesque wildflower meadows in summer that not only provided a beautiful backdrop for some of our borough’s roadside verges but create a haven for wildlife to thrive.
“Our team has thought of innovative, environmentally and economically friendly ways to provide the best possible service for residents.
“This nomination puts Whitehaven on the map nationally, for all the right reasons, and to win the award would be a real coup for the town.
“We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated team, Whitehaven Town Council as a funding partner, Whitehaven Harbour Commissioners and local volunteer groups.”
Charles Maudling, Mayor of Whitehaven, said: “Whitehaven Town Council is delighted to have played such a major part in laying the framework for this success by agreeing funding and entering into a partnership with Copeland Borough Council.
“Whitehaven Town Council funds the provision and maintenance of flowers in St Nicholas’ Gardens which, from the positive comments received, people regard as the jewel in Whitehaven’s crown.
“The town council also funds all the planters, baskets, badge beds and hanging baskets around the town and pays for the services of two operatives from Copeland Borough Council who do a fantastic job looking after these.
“In addition to that, our multiple annual events have added to a sense of place in the community”.
Judges will visit the area in summer and the award ceremony will take place in October.
