2023 nib
competition results
2023 Northumbria in Bloom Main Awards & Results
Communities from across the North East came together on Wednesday 20th September at ‘The Fed’, Gateshead to recognise and celebrate all that they have collectively achieved in improving and transforming local environments across the whole of the region as part of this year’s Northumbria in Bloom competition.
The competition, now in its 59th year, is all about encouraging local communities to improve their area through community gardening and sound environmental practises. It is part of the UK wide Britain in Bloom campaign run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).
Representatives from entrants across the region were at the event to receive their awards.
Robert Germany, Chairman of Northumbria in Bloom said:
“When people think of Northumbria in Bloom they often assume that it’s all about hanging baskets and the municipal flower displays on roundabouts. However the reality couldn’t be further from the truth. This means that ‘in bloom’ communities tackle everything from litter, graffiti and anti-social behaviour through to conservation, biodiversity and improving horticultural standards, and that’s not to mention the positive impact on health & wellbeing, sense of place, community spirit and civic pride. Many of our groups are also using Bloom to help to mitigate some of the effects of climate change through planet friendly gardening. It is wonderful to see all the excellent work that communities are doing to protect and enhance their local environments.These Awards are all about recognising and celebrating this work and all that our communities have collectively achieved in enhancing the overall environment of the North East in 2023”.
To quickly jump to a specific category of results simply select from the buttons below:
MAIN COMPETITION AWARDS
BEST OVERALL ENTRY
The Percy Boydell Award
CRAMLINGTON
“Cramlington has the advantage of being surrounded by countryside and is also home to more large businesses than many other similar size towns. The Town Council has made the most of this by encouraging volunteer groups to utilise the natural resources by making large areas of woodland accessible, creating new woodland – most notably at the landform Northumberlandia – and there are plans in the pipeline for a new dementia garden which is going to be part of a larger park available to all. They have taken on board the ethos of sustainable planting and in most cases throughout the judging route, the level of horticulture was very good. There is plenty of colour and form as well as trees and shrubs being used very effectively. Lots of grass is left long between trees in the park for biodiversity and plenty of wildflowers have been grown to good effect. The judges were impressed by the planting of shrubs and perennials in blocks on roundabouts which are a very attractive, cohesive asset to the town”.
MOST IMPROVED ENTRY
GREATHAM
“Greatham is a very pretty village with a good community spirit and the activities of the Bloom Group greatly enhance it. The village has a very good mix of both perennial and annual planting. The gardens maintained by the residents of the sheltered homes is excellent and the overall level of enthusiasm is wonderful whilst those who have no garden put out a multitude of colourful pots and containers. The allotment we were shown is weed free and very productive”.
BEST NEW ENTRY
The Whickham Award
SOUTHWICK
“This is a marvellous effort by a new entrant, and the enthusiasm of the group is to be applauded. They have achieved so much in a short time, transforming the Green into a welcoming, bright, colourful, and safe area which displays local history and exudes local pride. The Green is now a focal point for the area and for the people of all ages who have contributed to its regeneration”.
BEST ENTRY IN SPRING
WASHINGTON VILLAGE
“As we arrived in Washington Village the beds of narcissi where in full flower making a magnificent display. One new project has seen a neglected and ivy covered area containing several dead trees cleared to form an attractive wildlife area. The grounds of the church have been renovated and now has bird and bat boxes as well as some planting and the discovery of some native plants. Washington Old Hall has well maintained grounds with new features having been installed and we heard of plans to remove the parterre due to box blight and the creation of a more friendly entrance. The Avenue looked good and had plenty of colour and has established well as has the Ribbon Bed with its blended planting, the planters leading up to Spout Lane also giving colour leading
JUDGES’ DISCRETIONARY AWARD
THE OLD MAN’S HUT, HOLYWELL
“The ‘Old Man’s Hut’ as the bus shelter is affectionately known, is a fantastic model of how an ordinary utilitarian structure can be transformed into somewhere special with unique features and horticultural adornments”.
Please note:
- Gold – outstanding
- Silver Gilt – very good
- Silver – good
- Bronze – average
- Merit – Fair
SMALL VILLAGES
Winner COWPEN BEWLEY
“In only their second year of entry to Northumbria in Bloom it is evident that the whole village is committed and involved in maintaining a good standard of presentation. They cover the three core pillars of bloom – horticulture / environmental responsibility / community participation – comprehensively and with enthusiasm. They have good communication channels with the residents – most of whom are involved with the bloom campaign”.
- Cowpen Bewley – Gold
- Middleton Hall Retirement Village – Silver Gilt
VILLAGES
Winner WASHINGTON VILLAGE
“An entry keeping up with their very high standards. The whole village is involved from the ‘Little Onions’ group planting crocus to older people restoring the churchyard. There are a whole range of social activities to raise money to fund the bloom campaign. A wonderful village to visit and enjoy”.
- Brancepeth – Silver
- Greatham – Silver Gilt
- Washington Village – Gold
LARGE VILLAGES
Winner HOLYWELL
“A fantastic example of a group fully representative of their local community. The original use of raw materials and planting schemes, much of which was donated, was exciting and colourful and created a very vibrant community in which to live, work and play”.
- Holywell – Gold
- Hunwick – Silver
SMALL TOWNS
Winner GREATER WILLINGTON PARISH
“Greater Willington is a community of three adjoining towns and the overall planting and maintenance was to a remarkably high standard. Its proud mining heritage was well displayed; with a banner in the Town Council office to the various sculptures throughout the area. The live Christmas tree in the Town green is illuminated for the festive period. We saw evidence of community-based activity including churches, schools, community allotments and the elderly all being guided by the Town Council to build a better environment for all in the Town. There is a “strong pride of place” in Greater Willington”.
- Greater Willington Parish – Silver Gilt
- Middleton St. George – Silver
TOWNS
Winner ALNWICK
“Alnwick in Bloom are very much aware of the role horticulture can play in enhancing the town’s historic centre as well as the more modern urban and commercial areas. The absence of litter and street weeds exemplifies the pride the community has for its town. The judges were impressed with the range of activities comprising the entry”.
- Alnwick – Gold
- Hexham – Silver Gilt
LARGE TOWNS
Winner CRAMLINGTON
“Cramlington has the advantage of being surrounded by countryside and is also host to more large businesses than many other similar size towns. The Town Council has made the most of this by encouraging volunteer groups to utilise the natural resources by making large areas of woodland accessible, creating new woodland – most notably at the landform Northumberlandia – and there are plans in the pipeline for a new dementia garden which is going to be part of a larger park available to all. They are always planning ahead with projects in the pipeline to keep momentum going”.
- Bishop Auckland – Bronze
- Chester-le-Street – Silver
- Cramlington – Gold
- Stanley – Gold
SMALL CITY
Winner – DURHAM
“Durham is a city with historic heritage centred around the ancient Durham Cathedral and the renowned Durham University. The majority of the city centre historic buildings are in use by both of these institutions whilst at the same time there is a centre of creative shops and businesses ensuring a thriving atmosphere. The extensive development towards the suburbs has greatly increased the residential area and therefore the Bloom entry extends well beyond the city centre. The substantial green and forested areas across the town like Flass Vale wood and the general focus on environmental awareness is a pleasurable surprise. As a regular entrant in Northumbria in Bloom their many years of experience and close liaison with both the cathedral and the university ensure the quality of the entry”.
- Durham – Gold
URBAN COMMUNITY
Winner SOUTHWICK
“This is a marvellous effort by a new entrant, and the enthusiasm of the group is to be applauded. They have achieved so much in a short time, transforming the Green into a welcoming, bright, colourful, and safe area which displays local history and exudes local pride. The Green is now a focal point for the area and for the people of all ages who have contributed to its regeneration”.
- Belmont – Silver
- Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Bronze
- Southwick – Silver Gilt
COASTAL RESORT
Winner SEAHAM
“Seaham has some excellent well maintained formal landscaping areas (in particular Seaham Hall Hotel) with abundant evergreen and sustainable shrub borders offering plenty of shelter and habitat to coastal birds and wildlife, perfect for its seaside location. The town is also home to a collection of diverse art sculptures which referenced its local mining and war history, including the impressive “Tommy” sculpture, as well as fun imaginary creatures in an exciting and accessible way for locals and visitors to enjoy. The wilder beachfront banks were sensitively managed for wildlife, with native grasses and plants such as teasel that support biodiversity were seen on the informal areas leading down to the sea. The work to reinvigorate the historic Seaham Marina area with a range of facilities and businesses was also impressive and made good use of its built heritage. One of the town’s greatest strengths is its ability to encourage a wide range of community groups and individual volunteers of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in keeping Seaham free of litter, helping to plant and maintain themed tubs and borders full of perennials and tulips (the judges particularly liked the use of local sea shells as a mulch), and other essential activities”.
- Saltburn by the Sea – Silver Gilt
- Seaham – Silver Gilt
CITY CENTRE
Winner DARLINGTON
“Darlington maintains a remarkable overall standard as an entry and the enthusiasm of all involved is to be commended. There was a considerable amount of redevelopment ongoing in the city centre but the horticultural displays were good; especially the self-watering green wall. We were particularly impressed with Quaker Lane where the plants had been donated and the work carried out by local residents. South Park was in the main excellent. The river Skerne brings nature to the heart of the city and the management is of a very high calibre”.
- Darlington – Gold
SPECIAL CATEGORY AWARDS
Community Champions
For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.
Barbara Howarth, Belmont
“Barbara was for many years the driving force behind Belmont in Bloom. It is thanks to her drive, dedication, and enthusiasm that Belmont was able to achieve so much in the Northumbria in Bloom competition over the years. She has done this work diligently and enthusiastically, but also very modestly, never complaining about the workload or seeking praise. She has dedicated herself to the local community and always brought willing volunteers and helpers on board, sharing her enthusiasm and love of the area and inspiring others”.
Christopher Mordue, Holywell in Bloom
“Chris has worked for Northumberland County Council the majority of his working career. He is dedicated to making the Seaton Valley area look the best it can be, using his many talents and his passion for perfection. His ‘can do’ attitude is openly shared amongst his team, as he is always willing to find solutions and advise and guide throughout any task when necessary. He has always been keen to share his horticultural knowledge and expertise with the five ‘In-Bloom’ groups in Seaton Valley. He has mentored apprentices and younger members of staff and helped develop and inspire their future careers in horticulture. Chris is a modest guy and isn’t comfortable with praise, but it’s easy to see the pleasure he gets when Seaton Valley looks its best”.
Kate Allison, Chester le Street in Bloom
“Kate is a Civic Pride Officer with Durham County Council and she certainly has PRIDE in her work in support of Northumbria in Bloom. She has been the linch pin and driving force for all the community groups, businesses, friends groups and schools within the Chester le Street in Bloom campaign. She has co-ordinated many projects over the years including a ‘Garden Treasurers Competition’, the ‘WoW What a Window’ competition to encourage local businesses to florally dress their shop windows in support of in-bloom, visits to schools and community groups to promote and encourage environmental responsibility, and organising countless community litter picking, tidy ups, planting schemes and projects to enhance the local environment of the town”.
Young Community Champion
For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom. Aged 18 years or under.
Finlay Patterson, Catchgate & Annfield Plain
“During his time at Croft Community School, Annfield Plain Finlay helped to build and develop the school garden. He has helped build a greenhouse, a pizza oven, has felled and logged trees, built a wood store, designed and built a pond, made a 30ft raised bed, and planted and maintained a wide range of crops. Those who have known Finlay over the past few years, particularly his teachers, remarked on the change in his outlook on life as a result of being involved in the garden. From a difficult start he has become a confident and helpful member of the school community and his future looks bright. When he left Finlay said to his teacher: “Sir, do you know what I am proudest about? It’s that when I leave I know there will be a little bit of me still here what I helped build”. Finlay should be very proud of his achievements in enhancing the environment of the school and in his support of the aims of Northumbria in Bloom”.
Best Business and Out of Town Retail Park
Winner NEWCASTLE BUSINESS PARK, NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
“Newcastle Business Park is a large 60 acre site that runs between Scotswood Road and the River Tyne. The tree line at the top of the site is very helpful at cutting down the noise levels from the traffic going in and out of the city centre, as is the drop in elevation down to the river. The parks paths and grass verges are lined with undulating hedges and trees under planted with roses. Seasonal flower displays, herbaceous plantings and rock garden borders provide shots of colour in vantage points. All buzzing with wildlife that takes advantage of the wild life corridor that stretches along the steeper banksides. Car free zones gives cyclist and pedestrians fantastic rides or walks along the riverside”.
Newcastle Business Park – Gold
Best School
Winner DURHAM GILESGATE PRIMARY SCHOOL, BELMONT
“This school allotment is a haven for learning whilst growing impressive amounts of high quality produce. Helped by older residents; the pupils (and parents) have learnt the importance of soil composition, composting, water capture and growing appropriate crops. Pupils learn about soil, recycling and growing in the classroom and then apply their learning in the allotment. Parents are encouraged to come to the allotment to learn about gardening and growing crops themselves. It is an exciting space, encouraging gardening for all ages, both now and in the future”.
- Croft Community School, Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Gold
- Durham Gilesgate Primary School – Gold
- Fishburn Primary School – Silver Gilt
- Lambton Primary School – Gold
- St. Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Stanley – Silver
- Swansfield Park School, Alnwick – Gold
Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home/Hospice or Day Centre
Winner ST. CUTHBERT’S HOSPICE, DURHAM
“St Cuthbert’s Hospice is a residential facility for palliative care in extensive attractive grounds. There are many different areas to meet the individual needs of the residents. A rose arch leads through to a sensory garden with a seating area and summerhouse. The hospice has many volunteers with different skill sets to help in gardening areas, greenhouses and kitchen. The productive areas provide a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables for use in the kitchen. They have productive beehives from which the honey harvest is used in the hospice and of course the bees help maintain a high level of pollination. Their staged composting would be the envy of any productive gardening business”.
- Stanley Park Care Home, Stanley – Silver Gilt
- St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham – Gold
Best Religious Establishment
Winner ST. CUTHBERT’S RC CHURCH GROUNDS, CHESTER LE STREET
“The gardens of St. Cuthbert’s Church are a credit to the husband and wife team who have created, planted and continue to maintain them to a very high standard. Many of the plants have been grown by them from seeds and cutting. There is a wonderful mix of shrubs, perennials, roses and a small amount of bedding in pots as well as a newly established wild flower area. Many of the plants are unusual and not plants you would necessarily see very often. An area to the rear of the hall is used for growing cut flowers for the Church and here there are substantial compost bins and water butts to catch rain water from the roof. It is a joy to walk through the garden and enjoy its peaceful atmosphere”.
- Atisha Kadampa Meditation Buddhist Centre,
- Darlington – Silver Gilt
- Belmont Cemetery – Silver
- Durham Cathedral – Gold
- Fishburn Cemetery – Silver Gilt
- Hexham Cemetery – Gold
- St. Brandon’s, Brancepeth – Silver Gilt
- St. Cuthbert’s RC Church Grounds, Chester le Street
- St. Nicholas Church, Cramlington – Silver Gilt
Best Commercial Premises (Small)
Winner DAVID FOSTER FUNERAL DIRECTORS, CATCHGATE & ANNFIELD PLAIN
“The garden at this funeral business is immaculately tidy, with mature shrubs complimented by colourful annuals. It gives a great impression and compliments the old stone buildings”.
- David Foster Funeral Directors, Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Gold
- Hash Bar & Kitchen, Darlington – Silver
- Just for Women Centre, Stanley – Gold
- The Quarry Tea House, Hunwick – Silver
Best Commercial Premises (Large)
Winner WOODHILL, OTTERBURN
“This wedding venue is approached via a long avenue of mature trees with newly planted beds at the entrance. In addition to perennial planting, there are many colourfully planted containers and a number of features for wedding parties to enjoy, including faux grass covered elephants for the children and a knot garden spelling out the word love combined with a heart. A newly erected gazebo is surrounded by cherry trees to provide a photo opportunity for the bride and groom and several other projects are in the early stages”.
- Woodhill, Otterburn – Silver Gilt
Best Pub
Winner ORD HOUSE LOUNGE, BAR and GRILL, BERWICK UPON TWEED
“The planting displays at Ord House Lounge are very high impact and well-conceived. Good colour choices and the window boxes and hanging baskets are very full. Good to see sustainable planting too which adds structure and height and gives permanence to the planting. The maintenance is to be commended as it is immaculate and the whole display is a visual delight”.
- John the Clerk, Cramlington – Silver
- Ord House Lounge, Bar and Grill – Gold
- The Ball Alley Public House, Stanley – Silver Gilt
- The Devonport Pub with Rooms, Middleton St. George – Silver
- The John Bull Inn, Alnwick – Gold
- The Milbourne Arms, Holywell – Silver Gilt
- The Old Yard Tapas Bar, Darlington – Silver Gilt
- Three Horseshoes Public House, Cowpen Bewley – Silver Gilt
Joint Best Hotel / Guest House
Winner THE COOKIE JAR, ALNWICK
“The restrained planting of this professionally designed garden with its limited colour palette beautifully compliments this one time convent. The plants were of very high quality and well maintained and the hard landscaping gave a very modern feel. The fact that the predominantly blue colour scheme complemented the decor inside the hotel was an added delight. The garden is a peaceful area for reflection as well as one for the enjoyment of guests. Its’ very design would discourage anyone from doing anything to spoil it. The window boxes at the front of the hotel continued the blue theme, bringing subdued colour into this conservation area”.
- Lumley Castle, Chester le Street – Silver
- Michelangelo’s, Blaydon on Tyne – Silver Gilt
- Ramside Hall Hotel, Belmont – Silver Gilt
- Seaham Hall – Silver Gilt
- South Causey Inn & Hotel, Stanley – Gold
- The Cookie Jar, Alnwick – Gold
- The County Hotel, Hexham – Silver Gilt
- Walls Bed and Breakfast, Berwick upon Tweed – Silver Gilt
Best Conservation
Winner EAST ORD NATURE WALK, BERWICK UPON TWEED
“The volunteers do a fantastic job of maintaining and continuing to develop the Nature Walk, with new ideas in the pipeline. The whole Nature Walk is extremely well maintained, clean and tidy. The diversity of species is good to see and continues to develop with new plantings and there are some extremely useful and well-made interpretation signs along the walk to help with plant identification. It’s great to see that the local community are so supportive with local businesses and individuals donating materials as well as money to ensure the continued success of the Nature Walk. Its lovely to see all the unusual and quirky objects that people leave along the walk and the enjoyment it gives to local children who are encouraged to use the area as a learning resource”.
- Belmont Scrambles Nature Reserve – Silver Gilt
- Bullfield Community Orchard, Alnwick – Gold
- East Ord Nature Walk, Berwick upon Tweed – Gold
- Saltburn Friends of the Valley – Silver Gilt
- The Holy Trinity Church, Washington Village – Silver Gilt
- Woodland Walkway, Holywell – Silver Gilt
- Wydon Water Flood Defence Scheme, Hexham – Gold
Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station
Winner FRIENDS OF ALNMOUTH STATION
“The Friends of Alnmouth Railway Station are well organised and the very numerous large tubs lining the platforms are a welcome sight. These are filled with colourful planting with many perennials and herbs which have been chosen to be drought resistant and attractive to pollinators. Schoolchildren have been involved with the delightful murals and the painting of the bird boxes”.
- Friends of Alnmouth Station – Gold
- Saltburn Station – Silver
Best Park
Winner ALEXANDRA PARK, CRAMLINGTON
“Alexandra Park is a credit to the staff who maintain it. The Park is very clean and tidy and is a very pleasant space to walk through with numerous facilities to appeal to a wide range of people. The new play area and dog park are popular and well used as is the Bowling Green. All are maintained to a high standard. The sensory garden is lovely area with a very good selection of interesting plants to give year round interest and is a more peaceful space to relax in”.
- Alexandra Park, Cramlington – Gold
- Hexham Parks – Silver
- Riverside Park, Chester le Street – Gold
- Seaham Town Park – Silver Gilt
- South Park, Darlington – Gold
- The Mound & Picnic Area, Holywell – Gold
- Wharton Park, Durham – Gold
Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs
Winner DURHAM BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
“Durham BID supports the Northumbria in Bloom entry of Durham City both with a financial contribution and the creation and management of events to attract visitors to the City. There are commercial advantages to the local businesses of an attractive environment in which people can enjoy and admire the various horticultural displays, including the spectacular two tone tower planters, sustainable hanging baskets and colourful precinct planters, most of which are located in the Market Square. This evidence of the community spirit and close liaison between the various parties is beneficial to all”.
- Bishop Auckland Market Place – Silver
- Durham BID – Gold
- Manor Walks Shopping Centre, Cramlington – Silver Gilt
- Seaham Harbour Marina – Silver Gilt
Best Private Garden
Winner 3, DINSDALE DRIVE, BELMONT
“This corner garden shows what can be done in a domestic setting, it was buzzing with insects and full to overflowing with colourful plants and shrubs in tip top condition. The grass and the hard landscaped surfaces were immaculate, and there was nothing out of place. The gardens were visible from two roads so that pedestrians had a wonderful view of the plants, small trees and shrubs in the beds and up the walls”.
- Christopher Paisley, Catchgate & Annfield Plain – Silver Gilt
- Dennis & Sue Brown, Durham – Silver Gilt
- 3 Dinsdale Drive, Belmont – Gold
- 4 Laurel Road, Saltburn by the Sea – Gold
- 49 Middleton Lane, Middleton St. George – Silver
- Northfield View, Brancepeth – Gold
- Stewart Irwin and Colin Purvis, Hunwick – Gold
- 35 Swansfield Park Road, Alnwick – Gold
- 3 The Paddock, Willington – Gold
Best Grounds of a Hospital, University or Public Building
Winner UNIVERSITY OF SUNDERLAND
“The landscaping and overall standards of maintenance make for a tranquil setting for staff and students to enjoy. Starting a Sensory Garden as an outdoor classroom for teaching occupational health therapy is to be recommended. Planning for more wild flower areas will increase the biodiversity of the area which is bordered by two main roads and will allow everybody to enjoy the colourful planting”.
- University of Sunderland – Gold
Best Sports Ground
Winner HEXHAM GOLF CLUB
“The overall standard of care at the golf club is superb, with a good awareness of environmental responsibilities within the constraints of it needing immaculate greens and fairways. The many mature trees on the site are beautifully maintained. Leaves are collected and composted. The grass cutting regime allows for some areas to develop as wilder areas, with benefit for both flora and fauna. The areas with wild flowers attract many insects, while wildlife such as deer, foxes, hares, badgers and rabbits are regularly seen and recorded on wildlife cameras. Summing up, the golf club is a great asset to Hexham as a bloom entry. Praise is due to all involved in its care”.
- Golf Course, and the 9th Brancepeth – Gold
- Hexham Golf Club – Gold
Best Residential Community
Winner COCK’S MEMORIAL HOMES, MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE
“The Cocks Memorial Homes is a unique community where the residents help to enhance their own environment by placing planted containers in front of their homes and they jointly look after the watering when residents are away from home. There is a small garden area which provides vegetables and fruit for all residents to pick and use, any surplus is donated to a local food bank. Every drainpipe is fitted with a water butt to contain rainwater for irrigating the containers and garden area. There is a true community spirit”.
- Cocks Memorial Homes, Middleton St. George – Gold
- Holmlands Park, Chester le Street – Bronze
- Liberty Green, Washington Village – Silver Gilt
- Ruby/Garnet St. Back Alley, Saltburn by the Sea – Silver Gilt
- St.Paul’s Court, Alnwick – Gold
- Whitehouse Farm, Greatham – Gold
Best Allotments
Winner KILLINGHALL ALLOTMENTS, MIDDLETON ST. GEORGE
“This well managed and beautifully tended site caters for a wide spectrum of gardeners. All genders and abilities are embraced within the allotment community. There are poly tunnels and greenhouses with some raised beds also. Some plots have been reduced to a more manageable size to encourage younger and older gardeners to enjoy the friendly and healthy environment with many passing helpful tips and encouragement to each other. Any surplus produce is donated to a local food bank. A joy to visit”.
- Belmont Allotments – Silver Gilt
- Brancepeth Allotments – Gold
- Greenscape, Seaham – Gold
- Killinghall Allotments, Middleton St. George – Gold
- Saltburn Allotments Association – Gold
- St. James’s Allotments, Alnwick – Gold
- St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham – Gold
Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate
Winner DURHAM UNIVERSITY BOTANIC GARDEN
“The Botanic Garden, is a wonderful vista of colourful planters, rare and unusual plants, wildflower areas, ancient meadowland and arboretum. It also supports education, conservation, sustainability and biodiversity. The initiatives range from a newly established annual fun day to a relationship with Edinburgh Botanic Garden for the exchange of rare and unusual plants. A small army of volunteers ensure this horticulturally significant and attractive area is well maintained and a pleasure to visit”.
- Crook Hall Gardens, Durham – Gold
- Durham University Botanic Garden – Gold
- Kynren, Bishop Auckland – Gold
- Northumberlandia, Cramlington – Gold
- Ord House County Park, Berwick upon Tweed – Gold
- The Alnwick Garden – Gold
- Washington Old Hall, Washington Village – Gold