Torbay winners are Blooming great

News Release PR8768 - published on 4 November 2022

Torbay’s winners in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom South West competition have been announced, as well as the winners of the RHS’s It’s Your Neighbourhood awards 2022.

Local volunteers and community groups worked hard to enhance the Bay with their parks and gardens, with support from a dedicated team of gardeners and cleansing staff from SWISCo.

The Judges’ feedback was that they were particularly impressed with local volunteers who were passionate about their community, their environment and wildlife, and also praised the use of compost bins and water harvesting techniques at a number of sites. The Judges stated that the areas of sustainable planting were looking particularly attractive and provided colour, texture and interest for visitors and insects. They also singled out for praise Torbay using pollinator patches to attract bees and the participation in the Blue Heart campaign – which is where some sites the grass is left longer to help increase biodiversity and help tackle climate change.

Steve Darling, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “Well done to all the In Bloom winners in Torbay and thank you to everyone who took part – you are all helping make Torbay a place to be proud of.”

Councillor Mike Morey, Cabinet Member for Environment, Infrastructure and Culture, said: “I would like to pass on my congratulations to all the winners in Torbay for their great efforts – and to all those who entered the competition. We are proud of all the hard work local volunteers have put into making the Bay look beautiful, with support from the staff at SWISCo.”

Tim Eley who Co-ordinates Torbay’s entries into the competition and is Chair of Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group said, “A fantastic set of results for Torbay in this year's South West in Bloom competition. Well done everybody and thanks for all your help in achieving these results. It is especially pleasing to see the public sector working with the private sector voluntary groups and shows what can be achieved".

Due to all the hard work and dedication from all parties involved, next year Torquay will be entered into the Champion of Champions RHS In Bloom competition. SWISCo Parks Team will be looking at more innovative sustainable ways of improving their flower beds and borders, along with the continuation of working in partnership with local volunteers and community groups.

Britain in Bloom South West Results

Main competition

Torquay in Bloom Gold Award and Winner of the Tesco Cup
Babbacombe Bay in Bloom Gold Award
Brixham in Bloom Gold Award
Paignton in Bloom Silver Gilt Award

Businesses

Model Village - Gold
Cary Arms and Spa - Gold
Babbacombe Inn - Gold
Babbacombe Inn - Winner of the Shaun Cregan Trophy - Best Public House floral display in the South West