2025 Results

Northumbria in Bloom and RHS It's Your Neighbourhood Awards

Celebrating the people and places that made 2025 bloom.

Communities from across the North East came together on Wednesday 17th 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. Representatives from entrants across the region were at the event to receive their awards.

The competition, now in its 61st 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).

Below you’ll find every medal awarded in the main and special categories in 2025, the Best in Class winners with their judges’ comments, the Community Champions and the 65 groups recognised in the RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood awards.

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Robert Germany, Chairman of Northumbria in Bloom

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 2025”.

Overall awards

Best Overall Entry – The Percy Boydell Award: Washington Village
Most Improved Entry – The Whickham Award: Middleton St. George
Best Entry in Spring: Greater Willington Parish
Judges’ Discretionary Award – Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr & Mrs Short, Middleton St. George
RHS Community Engagement Award: Washington Village in Bloom Society

Best Overall Entry – The Percy Boydell Award: Washington Village

The many and varied volunteer helpers really make Washington Village a very special place to visit. The In Bloom team have done an amazing job. The overall impression of the village is of well-tended, well-planned and colourful beds with something to look at from every angle; from the village green to the beds and planters along the roads running from it. The pavements and streets are immaculate and the planting is very well planned and maintained. Plenty of funding from various grants and active fund-raising events ensures a steady programme of jobs are carried out and projects have been brought to fruition. This is a haven in the heart of the commuter belt!

Most Improved Entry – The Whickham Award: Middleton St. George

Middleton St George is an expanding rural town. It has good community networking links which residents illustrated by the continuity of floral containers throughout the town. The newly planted display at the entrance of the town gives great impact with its traditional combination of flowers and signage. The development of the Railway in its 200th Anniversary adds an interesting historical aspect and the indigenous planting of the long beds on the side of the old waiting shed are a natural attraction for wildlife and birds, enhanced by the mural of the train. The quality and colour in the residents’ gardens along the main road are evidence of their care for their town. The colour coordination of the planting throughout the town is excellent.

Best Entry in Spring: Greater Willington Parish

The spring bulb displays are many and colourful with ambitious planning to develop them further every year. The local school pupils are enthusiastic and active with seed bombs and plans to rewild some areas. Secondary school pupils are commended for their construction of bird boxes mounted on the trees around the war memorial. The sense of heritage is demonstrated by contemporary and unusual sculptures by a local sculptor highlighting the town’s heritage and local heroes. Environmental awareness is very good. It was a pleasure to observe the cleanliness of the area and good condition of street furniture demonstrating the obvious pride in the overall presentation of the town.

Judges’ Discretionary Award – Lifetime Achievement Award: Mr & Mrs Short, Middleton St. George

Mr and Mrs Short’s garden is a lifetime creation that has developed and evolved into many beautiful garden rooms over the years. It is both artistic and floral. They have entered our competition on many occasions and amazed and enthralled different judges over the years with their gold standard eye for design and creativity. It is a pleasure, and well deserved, to award them with a lifetime achievement gold medal.

RHS Community Engagement Award: Washington Village in Bloom Society

Community gardening is a great way for people to connect with others and improve where they live and can provide people without gardens access to green space. The whole community benefits from improved public spaces that people can take pride in, a healthier, greener environment, safer streets and healthier people. This award recognises the efforts that Washington Village in Bloom are making to engage their wider community, creating positive and long-lasting benefits.

Main categories

Please note: Gold – outstanding, Silver Gilt – very good, Silver – good, Bronze – average, Merit – Fair.

Small Villages

Cowpen Bewley – Gold

Best in Class: Cowpen Bewley

Cowpen Bewley has achieved high scores across horticulture, environment, and community. The villages carefully designed displays combined heritage themes with sustainable, pollinator friendly planting, while new wildﬂower areas, tree planting, and innovative water saving methods highlighted a strong environmental focus. The community’s dedication was at the heart of this success, with volunteers of all ages contributing over 700 hours to planning, planting, maintenance, and creative projects. Intergenerational initiatives have seen the group install new seating so those less able to walk greater distances can now join in, organise inclusive events as well as develop new partnerships with local schools and Scouts ensured that everyone could take part, strengthening pride and belonging throughout the village. Together, these efforts have transformed Cowpen Bewley into a thriving, inclusive, and environmentally conscious community — one that continues to grow in beauty, biodiversity, and spirit year after year.

Villages

Brancepeth – Silver Gilt
Greatham – Silver Gilt
Washington Village – Gold

Best in Class: Washington Village

The judges enjoyed an enthusiastic welcome from the many volunteers in their blue livery. The new Mayor of Sunderland also came to meet the committee and judges and was very impressed with his ﬁrst visit to Washington Village. The In Bloom team have done an amazing job with watering and litter picking etc. The overall impression of the village is of well-tended, well planned and colourful beds with something to look at from every angle; from the village green to the beds and planters along the roads running from it. This is a haven in the heart of the commuter belt.

Large Villages

Holywell – Bronze

Best in Class: Holywell

Holywell in Bloom has once again demonstrated community spirit and dedication, earning a Bronze award this year. The group’s enthusiasm shines through in their work, from the colourful and well themed summer displays to the maturing “bee-bed” and the ever popular Doorstep Challenge, which inspires widespread participation. Projects such as the Orchard Club, the Royal Mile, and the Vets Hub show how horticulture can bring people together while enhancing biodiversity and village pride. Their successful community fundraising has provided both resources and resilience, ensuring that their plans remain sustainable. With their energy, commitment, and genuine passion, the group is not only enriching the local environment but also building a strong legacy of inclusion, creativity, and care. The judges look forward to seeing how this enthusiasm continues to drive progress in the years ahead.

Small Towns

Greater Willington Parish – Gold
Middleton St. George – Gold

Best in Class: Middleton St. George

Middleton St George is an expanding rural town with a long but narrow geographical area ending in Middleton One Row – originally a historical row of houses with attractive views over the River Tees. The town has a strong railway heritage with the old railway station currently being recreated in conjunction with S&DR200, (Darlington & Stockton Rail heritage celebrating its 200th anniversary this year). A close community which has good networking links with residents, illustrated by the continuity of ﬂoral containers through the town.

Large Towns

Bishop Auckland – Silver Gilt
Chester-le-Street – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Chester-le-Street

The Chester le Street tour, particularly in summer, was well balanced and interesting with a range of complementary points of interest which showcased the town’s horticultural achievements, environmental commitments and community involvement.

Small City

Durham – Gold

Best in Class: Durham

Judging Durham City is a delight, with excellence in every quarter. The high standards in horticulture and community cohesion are an example to all.

Urban Community

Belmont Parish – Silver Gilt
Catchgate and Annfield Plain – Bronze

Best in Class: Belmont Parish

The urban community of Belmont has undergone great change in recent decades but through Bloom and with the support of a range of groups and individuals is forging a new identity. Thought needs to be given as to how the work currently being done can be expanded to include new projects to include and involve an even wider range of the community. Shops, businesses, and new housing developments are a huge potential resource, waiting to be tapped.

Coastal Resort

Seaham – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Seaham

Seaham’s vibrant perennial planting is maturing beautifully and softening this once industrial town. The acknowledgement of their uniqueness, whether that is geological, industrial or relating to their natural environment, is evident in the enthusiasm of all the volunteers we met. The town is spotlessly clean – quite an achievement for a tourist destination perched on a windy cliff above the North Sea! The town has a bright future.

City Centre

Darlington – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Darlington

Darlington is a very well cared for and inviting town to both locals and visitors with both the Local Authority and various volunteer groups ensuring that it is very clean, tidy and welcoming. The growing range of smaller businesses, particularly in ‘The Yards’, shows that it is a place where businesses want to be which in turn encourages more people to visit the town. The Parks in particular are hugely popular and very well used thanks to the management and upkeep of them, and the vibrant planting displays in the Parks and around the town add to its appeal.

Special awards

Community Champion

For a truly outstanding contribution over several years by individuals, whether salaried or volunteer, in support of Northumbria in Bloom.

Jim Sim, East Ord Volunteers Group

Jim is a founding member of the East Ord Volunteers Group. He has worked tirelessly over the last decade, dedicating countless hours to maintaining the village and the nature walk. His commitment has never wavered, even during the Covid-19 pandemic when he continued to work alone to ensure that high standards throughout the community were upheld. Jim has been a true inspiration to his local community. His guidance and wisdom have been truly invaluable. He didn’t just offer advice; he shared a deep passion that inspired the whole group. Though he has been forced to step back at the age of 88 for health reasons, his legacy will continue to flourish in every project that the group undertake.

Young Community Champion

Elliot Gordon, Stockton

For the last four years Stockton teenager Elliot Gordon, who has autism, has been spending all his spare time out in his local community litter picking every day including on Christmas Day. He’s out from quarter past six in the morning until he goes to school and then again in the evening from quarter past five until 7.30. This award is to recognise Elliot’s total dedication and the excellent work that he is doing to keep his local community clean and tidy.

Best Business and Out of Town Retail Park

Cobalt Business Park – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside

The business park was created on 250 acres of farmland in the 1990s and in the last two years, the management team have started to tackle overgrown woodland and created paths for cyclists, horses and walkers who use the area every day. There is a wealth of wildlife and interesting wild ﬂowers – enough to sustain several beehives. The public are welcome and there are numerous activities with organised events such as an annual Pride March, pop-up food vendors at lunchtime once a week, school engagement with safaris for every age group and work experience opportunities for students. The green ethos is strong and staff are encouraged to cycle to work and make the most of a cycle workshop once a month where you can get your bike checked and adjusted for free. The woodland is decorated with fairy lights and Santa visits at Christmas.

Schools

Durham Gilesgate Primary School – Gold
Our Lady & St Thomas Catholic Primary School, Willington – Silver Gilt
Oxhill Nursery School – Silver

Best in Class: Durham Gilesgate Primary School Allotments, Belmont

The Gilesgate Primary School Allotments are at a level that any allotmenteer would be envious of. Children get the opportunity to see how their food grows and develops before harvesting amazing crops which they can then eat after their preparation in the school kitchens. They are an example to any school.

Best Care/Residential/Convalescent Home, Hospice or Day Centre

St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham – Gold
The Manor House, Gosforth – Gold
The Manor House, Whickham – Gold

Best in Class: St. Cuthbert’s Hospice, Durham

St Cuthberts Hospice grounds are calm and well run; the gardens are beautifully manicured whilst leaving room for nature, and the volunteers who manage the gardens deserve praise for their efforts, particularly the composting and vegetable growing which makes the site ecofriendly. The hedges and trees beautifully frame the garden views.

Best Religious Establishment

Belmont Cemetery – Silver
Quaker Burial Ground, Darlington – Silver
St. Brandon’s Church, Brancepeth – Silver
St. Cuthbert’s RC Church, Chester le Street – Gold
St. Stephen’s Church, Willington – Gold
The Atisha Kadampa Buddist Centre, Darlington – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: St. Cuthbert’s RC Church Grounds, Chester le Street

Formerly a blank canvas, St. Cuthbert’s Churchyard is now a mature garden with a wide range of planting for interest throughout the seasons. Much attention has been given to horticultural good practice with shrubs, statement trees and ongoing colour. Each bed has something different on show and all link together to provide continuity. The garden encourages wildlife and the design, tidiness and maintenance were excellent.

Best Small Commercial Premises

Derwentside Funeral Directors – Silver Gilt
Leila’s Autentico Italiano Café, Middleton St. George – Gold

Best in Class: Leila’s Autentico Italiano Café, Middleton St. George

This is a smartly presented café facing the street, then customer’s ﬁnd a surprise in the unexpected side courtyard with ﬂowers and artwork to enjoy with their refreshments.

Best Large Commercial Premises

Woodhill Hall, Otterburn – Gold

Best in Class: Woodhill Hall, Otterburn

Woodhill Hall is a fascinating stylish wedding venue, set in the heart of rural Northumberland near Otterburn. Approaching down a long, neat tree lined drive, one is suddenly surprised by a huge green elephant, and the surprises continue around the delightful site, with photo opportunities at every turn. There are many small intimate areas, neatly trimmed box hedges, large palm trees, an ancient pear on a wall, a weeping ash, and colourful beds around the courtyards, all contrasting with the magniﬁcent distant views.

Best Pub

Coach & Horses, Catchgate & Annﬁeld Plain – Silver
Fir Tree Residents Association – Silver
Ord House Lounge Bar and Grill – Gold
The Old Yard Tapas Bar, Darlington – Silver Gilt
Three Horseshoes, Cowpen Bewley – Bronze

Best in Class: Ord House Lounge Bar and Grill

The plant displays at the Bar & Grill are well coordinated, colourful and extremely well maintained. Well planted baskets and window boxes, colourful beds of geraniums surrounding immaculately maintained lawns and a border of perennials all create an extremely pleasing display. The gardening team do a great job of keeping the standards of horticulture so high.

Best Hotel / Guest House

Beamish Hall – Gold
Ramside Hall Hotel – Gold
Seaham Hall and Spa – Gold
South Causey Inn, Stanley – Gold

Best in Class: Seaham Hall and Spa

All the various planting styles surrounding this impressive Georgian building enhance the visitor experience. There are formal planting schemes on the terrace and sweeping lawns with shrub borders around the car parking areas. Plans are in progress to refresh some of the over-mature areas and modern ideas including ornamental grasses and mixing edibles with ﬂowers are being established. The standard is very high.

Best Conservation

Belmont Scrambles – Silver Gilt
East Ord Woodland Walk – Gold
Greencroft Nature Reserve – Silver
Greenscape Dawdon Park Wildlife Project – Gold
The Holy Trinity Graveyard Volunteer Group – Gold
Kynren, Bishop Auckland – Gold
Saltburn Town Centre Garden – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Greenscape Dawdon Park Wildlife Project

This wildlife haven behind a light industrial site is a delight – the wildﬂower meadow was looking glorious! The dedicated couple of volunteers who have initiated and driven through this project are to be commended and their commitment to involving youngsters and passing on their knowledge and skills is impressive. The local wildlife are very appreciative too!

Best Bus/Metro/Railway Station

Friends of Alnmouth Station – Gold
Tanﬁeld Railway – Silver Gilt
Weardale Railway, Stanhope Station – Gold

Best in Class: Weardale Railway, Stanhope Station

Stanhope Station was a pleasure to visit, with its beautiful platforms, lots of happy volunteers all working towards giving visitors to their railway a wonderful experience on their journey by train through the beautiful countryside of Weardale.

Best Park

Riverside Park, Chester le Street – Silver Gilt
Seaham Town Park – Gold
South Park, Darlington – Gold
Wharton Park, Durham – Gold

Best in Class: Wharton Park, Durham

This beautiful park has been providing spaces for leisure, sport and education in Durham for many years. Staffed by countryside rangers, volunteers and an education ofﬁcer it offers extensive woodland areas, wildﬂower areas, a community garden, an amphitheatre for events, sports and play areas. Children and adults are encouraged to engage with the history and environment of the Park.

Best Town Centre Retail Area / BIDs

Durham BID – Gold
Seaham Marina – Silver

Best in Class: Durham Business Improvement District

The public planting in the City of Durham deservedly attracts positive comments from many visitors, particularly the wildﬂowers along roadsides. The aim is sustainability with much of the former annual planting being replaced by drought-resistant perennials. Local heritage, such as the Cathedral precinct, is enhanced by the colourful displays supported by BID.

Best Private Garden

3 Dinsdale Drive, Belmont – Gold
4 Stockley Grove, Brancepeth – Silver Gilt
3 Hartside Cottages, Catchgate & Annﬁeld Plain – Silver Gilt
The Barn, Cowpen Bewley – Silver Gilt
Mr and Mrs Short, Middleton St. George – Gold

Best in Class: 3 Dinsdale Drive, Belmont

This colourful garden on a corner plot is packed with a super range of shrubs, perennials and annuals. It is planned for a long season of interest, giving pleasure to all neighbours and passersby.

Best Sports Ground

Brancepeth Golf Club – Silver Gilt
Catchgate Cricket Club – Bronze
Ramside Hall Golf Course – Gold

Best in Class: Ramside Hall Golf Course

This huge site is well maintained throughout. Environmental issues such as water use are well considered. There are volunteers involved as well as Ground Staff, and the whole site, despite ongoing building works, is a credit to all.

Best Residential Community

Cohen Court, Stockton – Silver Gilt
Liberty Green Rockery and Box Bed, Washington – Gold
Muriel & Alfred St. Gated Alleyden, Redcar – Silver
Quaker Lane, Darlington – Silver

Best in Class: Liberty Green Rockery and Box Bed, Washington

Two beds which mark the entrance to a small residential area are well stocked with colourful and textural plants for year round interest.

Best Allotments

Belmont Allotments – Gold
Brancepeth Village Allotments – Gold
Killinghall Allotments, Middleton St. George – Gold
St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham – Gold

Best in Class: St. Margaret’s Allotments, Durham

These allotments are understandably popular in the local community and there is a long waiting list! Access via the main paths is open and the public can also enjoy the views of the plots and the Cathedral from the site. Members enjoy the wide range of wildlife and the communal area where excess crops can be shared. Composting and water conservation are very important and many allotment holders have adopted a no-dig policy.

Best Tourist or Visitor Attraction, or Country Estate

Auckland Palace Grounds – Gold
Durham Botanical Gardens – Gold
Ord House Country Park – Gold
Saltburn Miniature Railway – Gold
Walled Garden, Auckland Palace – Gold
Washington Old Hall – Silver Gilt

Best in Class: Durham Botanical Gardens

For many reasons, the Botanic Garden is a popular destination for visitors to Durham. Staff and volunteers have developed and supported a wide range of natural and cultivated environments which offer interest all year round. There are various trails for visitors to help them enjoy the sculptures, trees and planting. Education provision, guiding and catering facilities are excellent and more information is readily available on the website.

RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood

65 community groups were assessed in 2025. Entries are listed by level, then alphabetically.

Level 5 – Outstanding

Brierdene Wildlife Site, Whitley Bay
Burnopfield Gardening Team
Castlegate, Berwick
Clarence’s Leisure Gardens Association (BELP)
Coronation Park, Berwick
Friends of Gosforth Central Park
Friends of Red House Ramble, Whitley Bay
Haughton-le-Skerne War Memorial
Holmlands Grounds, Ashbrooke, Sunderland
Hope House Allotments, Alnwick
Low Fell Volunteer Gardeners, Low Fell
Mains Place Borders, Morpeth
Oswald Court Community Volunteers Group, Durham
PCP Garden, Newton Aycliffe
St Mary’s Island Wetland, Whitley Bay
The Greenses, Berwick
The Pottergate Centre, Alnwick
Thropton Terrace Allotment Association, High Heaton, Newcastle
Trinity Courtyard Community Gardens, Newcastle
YHA Berwick

Level 4 – Thriving

Annfield Plain Infants’ School, Stanley
Bournmoor Conservation Group, Houghton-le-Spring
Car Park Transformation – A Community Effort, Chester-le-Street
Catchgate and Annfield Plain Partnership, Stanley
Column Cottage, Alnwick
Dennis Donnini Memorial Garden, Sunderland
Dunterns Allotments, Alnwick
Ethicare Police Station Project, Durham
Friends of Clyde Terrace Community Garden, Spennymoor
Friends of the Column, Alnwick
Grahams Yard, Alnwick
Great Lumley Millennium Green, Chester le Street
Green Batt Community Garden, Alnwick
Greener Horizons, Ferryhill
Path Head Water Mill, Blaydon
Sedberg Anglo Saxon Farmers, Sadberge, Darlington
Shildon Town Council and Shildon Alive Guerrilla Gardening Project
Shotton Partnership – Our Place, Durham
St George’s Allotment, Alnwick
St Margaret’s Church Walled Garden, Tanfield village
Tweedmouth West End, Berwick
Windsor Court Green Finger Club, Darlington
Woodland Garden and Path, Rowlands Gill

Level 3 – Advancing

Berry Court, Sadberge
Easington District Angling Society
Eighton Junction Community Garden, Gateshead
Fir Tree & Harperley Residents’ Association, Crook
Friends of Fryer’s Field Recreation Ground, Haughton-le-Skerne
Friends of Fullwell, Sunderland
Highfield Village Community Action Group, Rowlands Gill
Journey Allotment, Coundon
Leadgate Task Force, Leadgate
Parker Trust and Kayll Road Community Library, Sunderland
Temperance Terrace, Berwick
The Haven Community Centre, Stanley
The PIZZA-land Project, Peterlee
Tittybottle Park, Bishop Auckland
Weardale Railway Trust, Tow Law, Bishop Auckland
West Auckland in Bloom

Level 2 – Improving

Food for All Community Garden, Hetton-le-Hole
Middleton Woods Border
Pad B Allotment, Chester-le-Street
The Wider World Project, Durham

Level 1 – Establishing

Ash Green Way Greenfingers Project, Bishop Auckland
St Phillips Park Greenfingers Project, Crook