Thames and Chilterns in Bloom 2026

Britain in Bloom is the largest community gardening campaign in the UK. Championed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), it aims to bring local communities together, inspire them to get involved in horticulture and in that way to help protect and enhance the environment. This year the RHS has teamed up with the countryside charity, the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), which is celebrating its centenary.

Thames and Chilterns in Bloom is one of 16 regional competitions that feeds into the national campaign. To celebrate CPRE’s 100 years of campaigning for the countryside, the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire branches of CPRE are sponsoring a special new Biodiversity Award to recognise the importance of wildlife-friendly gardening and the creation of habitats in gardens, parks and community spaces.

In addition to the CPRE award, there are various different award categories for Thames and Chilterns in Bloom, for every size of community and for parks, neighbourhoods and even business landscapes. Communities who enter for the awards receive information and support from Britain in Bloom to help them develop their community gardening projects through an annual visit from the regional Bloom judges, and the best entries in the region can be nominated to take part in the UK Finals of the competition.

“It’s Your Neighbourhood” is a free-to-enter, non-competitive scheme for the smallest community groups who want to improve local areas through community gardening – by adding colour to the community, improving the environment, making new friends and getting active in the local area. Each year they receive feedback on how to grow and develop their work from an assessor.

All entries are eligible to be considered for RHS National Community Awards and Thames and Chilterns in Bloom regional awards. These awards recognise excellence in key aspects of the RHS Britain in Bloom initiative within the region and nations. ​

CPRE Berkshire’s branch secretary Gloria Keene MBE says: “We are delighted that the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire branches of the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) have joined forces with RHS Thames and Chilterns in Bloom to create a major new award to highlight the importance of wildlife habitat creation and biodiversity in gardens, green spaces and community amenities.”

She adds: “Established in 1926 to protect England’s countryside and green spaces, the charity’s sponsorship of this special CPRE Centenary Biodiversity Award is a key part of our 100th birthday celebrations. We are pleased and proud to be working with RHS Britain in Bloom.”

For more information, go to: www.tandcinbloom4.wixsite.com