The Competitions
It’s Your Neighbourhood
The RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood campaign supports volunteer groups who are greening their local area. It’s free, it isn’t a competition, and any group in the region can take part.
Entries for 2027
Tuesday 1 December 2026 to Sunday 20 June 2027
Is it right for your group?
All you need is a group and an idea for a project. The site can be almost anywhere outdoors that your community looks after: a street, an estate, a shared back alley or the garden of a community centre.
Free
No entry fee
Taking part costs nothing. Northumbria in Bloom runs the campaign in our region on behalf of the RHS.
Non-competitive
Every group is recognised
Groups aren’t ranked against each other. You’re recognised for the progress you’ve made.
Open to all
Any size of group
From a handful of neighbours to a large Friends group. You don’t need to be in the Main Competition.
Groups who take part include: residents improving their street or estate, Friends of a park or churchyard, allotment groups and community orchards.
How it works
Three steps from entering to collecting your certificate.
1
By 20 June 2027
Enter online
Complete the short online entry form. There’s nothing to pay.
2
April, or July to early August 2027
Your assessor visits
All entries are assessed by an RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood assessor. You can choose either a Spring assessment, in April, or a Summer assessment, in July to early August. Your assessor comes to hear about your work and see what you’ve achieved, then gives feedback and advice.
3
Wednesday 29 September 2027
Celebrate your achievement
Certificates are presented at our annual Awards Ceremony.
How groups are assessed
The assessment puts community first. Marks are split across three areas.
40%
Community participation
How your group involves local people and keeps the project going.
30%
Environmental responsibility
Caring for and improving the local environment.
30%
Gardening achievement
The planting, gardening and care that goes into your site.
Levels of achievement
Every group receives an RHS Certificate of Achievement showing one of five levels, based on the assessor’s marks out of 100.
Level 1
Establishing
0 to 35 points
Level 2
Improving
36 to 52 points
Level 3
Advancing
53 to 68 points
Level 4
Thriving
69 to 85 points
Level 5
Outstanding
86 to 100 points
Good to know
Specials or It’s Your Neighbourhood? Groups entering a Special in the Main Competition can’t also enter It’s Your Neighbourhood for the same site.
Photos. Share photos of your project through our photo uploader.
Support from the RHS. The RHS website has guidance notes for groups, plus information on insurance and resources.
Questions about It’s Your Neighbourhood?
Our IYN Co-ordinator, Sabina Rose, is happy to help your group get started.