The awards, which recognise strong partnership working to enhance public spaces, encourage biodiversity, and foster community pride, saw Edwinstowe achieve an impressive Gold award in the ‘Small Town’ category. Newark secured a Silver Gilt in the ‘Large Town’ category. These accolades highlight the dedication of volunteers, community groups, businesses, parish councils, and council officers.
Further successes included the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Gardens in Newark being named Best Wildflower and Conservation Area, and The Castle Barge receiving the award for Best Pub in East Midlands in Bloom. Educational institutions also performed well, with Thoresby Vale Primary Academy in Edwinstowe receiving Silver Gilt and Best School Garden for Fruit and Vegetables. King Edwin Primary School received Silver, and Barnby Road Primary School earned a Bronze award.
Villages were also recognised, with North Muskham receiving Silver Gilt and Halam taking Silver in the Village Category. Collingham also secured Silver Gilt in the Small Town Category.
“"These awards are a fantastic recognition of the hard work taking place across Newark and Sherwood to create attractive, vibrant and sustainable places for our residents and visitors. We're proud to have worked alongside community groups, schools, businesses, parish councils, and volunteers on a number of the award-winning projects."
Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, expressed pride in the collaborative efforts that led to these achievements, emphasising the council's ongoing commitment to green spaces and biodiversity. Similar sentiments were echoed by residents and council staff, highlighting the year-round dedication involved.
Ash Kitchen, Street Scene Manager at Newark and Sherwood District Council, noted the importance of the In Bloom initiative extending beyond floral displays to encompass well-managed, sustainable places that consider biodiversity and cleanliness. The breadth of success this year, from town and village awards to conservation and school gardens, underscores the power of partnership working.
