What is Britain in Bloom?

Britain in Bloom is the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe. RHS Britain in Bloom is a proactive campaign of communities creating long-term improvements to the local environment.

What is the aim of the campaign?

The aim is:
1.    to combine the strengths, energy and enthusiasm of the whole community to improve and regenerate your local environments, through:

•    imaginative planting of trees, shrubs, flowers and
•    creative landscaping,
•    thoughtful conservation and
•    environmentally friendly recycling projects  and

2. to clear away the eyesores that blight our streets, such as litter, graffiti and vandalism.

Who organises Britain in Bloom?

Britain in Bloom is organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.  It is now focused on three core pillars:

•    Horticultural Achievement
•    Environmental Responsibility
•    Community Participation

South Petherton in Bloom

The local ‘South Petherton in Bloom’ is fully supported by the Parish Council and will be led by a committee which will hopefully be comprised of representatives of a wide range of groups from the parish.

The purpose of the ‘South Petherton in Bloom’ project is fundamentally to improve the environment and encourage cohesion of the many communities in the parish. For example, it is hoped that the story of ‘South Petherton in Bloom’ will  in time be told via the history and photographic societies and be presented as a ‘panto’ by the combined arts society or as a presentation by the children from the schools in south Petherton.
Why not?!!!

What will be the central theme of the ‘South Petherton in Bloom’ project?

The parish emphasis is on involving as many groups in the community as is possible and on encouraging them to collaborate in the creation of an environment that is attractive, pleasing to be in and welcoming to strangers. It is intended that this ethos should become the guiding culture of the project so that over time the parish will acquire and communicate a sense of well-being, security and care. Only later will the competitive aspect be introduced.

Where have we got to so far?

An initial group of five people formed the basis of the ‘in bloom’ committee.  They have consulted representatives of the South West in Bloom region and with others who have taken leading roles in working with Yeovil in Bloom.  The committee will be guided by these experienced people to ensure that the project makes the best of the opportunities afforded by the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign.

The evidence provided by those we have consulted indicates that there are considerable benefits to be gained for the community by generating interest in and maintaining support for the environment; for example, enhancing the beauty of streets, gardens and green areas with trees and plants, providing projects for young and old in the parish, highlighting valuable local heritage and by preserving natural habitats. 

The project has gained the approval of the Parish Council and the project will constructively support the efforts of the Parish Plan which mentions the vision of a ‘Positive future for the parish’. 

How will the project be funded?

The parish council has set aside money for the initial costs of the project and further funds will be sought via sponsorships and approaches to the district and county councils.

What is the next step?

An important next step is to meet with and talk to as many groups in the parish and to generate support for the project. Ideally a core group of 10 – 12 people would in their turn lead on a range of smaller projects identified by their community groups. In this way the energy and enthusiasm can be harnessed to make the improvements identified by you.

This leads to the important question of how would you like to be involved and what you would like the ‘South Petherton in Bloom’ project to do within the parish?

There are many sub categories included in the core pillars. For example:

A. Horticultural Achievement 

In this section your year-round achievements in horticulture (including conservation and natural areas) can focus on 5 key factors:
    A1.  Impact
    A2.  Horticultural practice
    A3.  Residential and community gardening
    A4.  Business areas and premises
    A5.  Green spaces

B – Environmental Responsibility 

In this section your year-round achievements can be concentrated in 5 key areas:
    B1.  Conservation and biodiversity
    B2.  Resource management
    B3.  Local heritage
    B4.  Local environmental quality
    B5.  Pride of place

C – Community Participation 

In this section your year-round achievements can be in 5 key areas:
    C1.  Development and continuity
    C2.  Communication and education
    C3.  Community involvement
    C4.  Year-round involvement
    C5.  Funding and support

We would like everyone to be involved even if it is in a very small way. It could be by   supporting a group or project leader in making telephone calls or making the tea for others doing the work. Everyone has something to give to the community and at the same time something to receive from the community. Skills are far reaching and all are welcomed.

What would you like to do as part of ‘South Petherton in Bloom and what would you like to see as a result of the project?

Would you like to be on the committee – we need enthusiastic devoted Pethertonians!!

If you would like to help contact:

Maureen Moore