Discover the town where a self-designated arboretum impressed RHS judges

Published: October 26, 2026 at 5:17 pm

The champions of Britain’s annual nationwide gardening competition have been announced for 2026.

Britain in Bloom, which has been running since 1964 and organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) since 2002, celebrates communities across the UK using gardening to make positive changes to their local environment. Those taking part have access to the RHS's expert advice, plus valuable support and networking and funding opportunities.

This year's winning community stands out from the competition, according to judges, as it has an unusual self-designated community arboretum, encompassing every tree within the town's boundaries – whether on private or public land.

Every resident has taken on the role of 'tree custodian' for the collection of around 150 species growing there, including climate-resilient London plane, Tibetan cherry and swamp cypress trees.

The winning community is the…