Get your Britain in Bloom application underway

The annual Britain in Bloom competition continues to go from strength to strength with applications growing year-on-year. Whether it’s your first time, or you are an experienced competitor, it’s important to put some thought into planning your entry - and now is the perfect time to start.

Having had many years of experience working with councils and Britain in Bloom groups across the UK, we’d like to offer a little advice to all In Bloomers –and to wish you all the best of luck!

First and foremost, it’s essential to understand the judging criteria, so here is an overview of what the judges are likely to be looking for.

Setting up a Britain in Bloom group

Britain in Bloom entries are often formed by community groups that are already established or are led by the local authority. However, some are formed after a few motivated people get together to start a new group. Whatever the background, anybody can start a group. So long as your goal is to create a more beautiful place to live through imaginative planting and community effort, your registration will be welcomed.

What’s expected by the judges?

Before entering any competition, it is important to know the criteria for success. The Britain in Bloom judges concentrate on three main areas. These concepts underpin an entry and must be demonstrable to the judges. Read the judging guidelines in full.

Horticultural achievement - judges will look for year-round achievements in conservation and natural areas. The main focus will be within floral displays and landscaping. Displays are an important element of Britain in Bloom campaigns and are typically found in publicly owned areas as well as residential and commercial areas. Because they require less watering in the summer and make it impossible to over water in the winter, Amberol’s self-watering planters can help ensure great displays all year round.

Environmental responsibility - Environmental responsibility is very important at BiB. Judges will be considering the environment across all areas of your campaign. It is expected that groups will incorporate a range of environmental issues including conservation, littering, maintaining wildlife’s natural habitats and recycling. See Amberol’s range of litter bins for some ideas on keeping your environment clean and tidy.

Community participation - Community participation is a vital part of BiB campaigns. For this reason, it is expected that a range of community members will be involved in the campaign with broad based public awareness and support. Judging will look at how the community has been engaged, evidence of year-round programmes and if there has been support and funding for local businesses and councils.

If you would like to register your group on either Britain in Bloom, you need to contact the Regional Advisor from your region. And remember, regardless of whether you win a category in your area, the benefits of your group’s work will be priceless.

Amberol work with competition entrants from all over the country. Find out how we can help to improve your public space here or call us on 01773 830 930.