About us
About Northumbria in Bloom
We’re a registered charity that has encouraged communities across our region to garden together since 1964, when Northumbria was one of the seven founding regions of Britain in Bloom.
Our story
Britain in Bloom began as a way to lift the nation’s spirits through community gardening. It has grown into one of the UK’s largest community campaigns.
1964
Britain in Bloom begins
Horticultural journalist Roy Hay devised the competition, modelled on France’s Fleurissement de France, and persuaded the Tourist Board to run it.
1986
A wider focus
The Keep Britain Tidy Group took over, adding environmental awareness and litter control to the gardening.
2002
The RHS takes over
The Royal Horticultural Society introduced marking across three areas: horticulture, environment and community.
Today
17 regions and nations
Britain in Bloom now runs across the UK. Our top communities go forward to the UK Finals.
How we work
Our region. Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, and the councils of Hartlepool, Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Redcar and Cleveland.
A registered charity. We’re run by a board of trustees and receive no direct government funding.
Volunteer judges. Every judge is a volunteer, with a background in horticulture, the environment or community work.
A fair competition. Entries are grouped by the size of their electoral roll, so communities compete against others of a similar size.
The team
Northumbria in Bloom is run by volunteers. Here’s who to contact.
Andrew Jackson
Trustee
Become a judge
We’re always looking for new judges for the Main Competition, It’s Your Neighbourhood, or both. You don’t need qualifications or to know plant names, just enthusiasm for plants, gardening, the environment and people.
Full training
You’ll judge alongside an experienced judge.
Expenses covered
Mileage and parking are paid.
Meetings and events
Invitations to the Spring Meeting in March and the Awards Ceremony in September.
Good company
Invitations to judges’ social events.
Got a question?
Whether you’re thinking of entering, sponsoring or volunteering, we’d love to hear from you.