In a proud moment for Welsh horticulture, Wrexham has clinched the prestigious Gold award in the City category at the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) Britain in Bloom 2024. Competing against formidable entries from Bonnie Dundee, Scotland, and the London Borough of Havering, Wrexham emerged victorious, claiming the title at a ceremony held at Old Trafford Stadium on October 21. The award was presented by Frances Tophill, known for her role on BBC’s Gardeners’ World.
Representatives from Wrexham’s local government and community groups, including Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business, and Tourism, along with Nicola Ellis, Craig Youens, and Jacinta Challinor from Wrexham’s Environment Team, attended the ceremony. Joining them were Andrea Evans from Wrexham Litter Pickers and Elly Evans and Jim Crabtree from the Erlas Walled Garden, who were all key players in the city’s journey to victory. Elly Evans additionally received a Community Champion award, recognizing her exceptional contributions to maintaining and beautifying Wrexham’s green spaces.
“This achievement, following our recent gold at Wales in Bloom, reflects the tireless efforts of our community,” stated Cllr Nigel Williams. “The hard work and dedication of everyone involved, from volunteers to local authorities, have truly transformed our city. Winning the City category at Britain in Bloom 2024 is a testament to our commitment.”
The Britain in Bloom competition inspires towns, cities, and villages across the UK to create positive environmental changes through horticultural excellence, sustainability, and community involvement. Wrexham’s entry showcased a remarkable blend of urban gardening, biodiversity initiatives, and environmentally conscious projects. This year, colorful flower beds and wildflowers adorned Wrexham and its surrounding areas, bringing together community volunteers, local authorities, and schools in a shared mission of beautification.
Britain in Bloom judges, Darren Share and Jon Wheatley, praised Wrexham’s efforts, noting, “Wrexham has it all—from vibrant seasonal displays to innovative wildlife gardening, with young and experienced gardeners working side-by-side.” They also commended the city’s dedication to biodiversity, which is supported by extensive wildlife monitoring to ensure positive ecological impacts. With 20 wildflower meadows and multiple wildflower-sponsored traffic islands, Wrexham has become a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Judges further highlighted Wrexham’s waste prevention initiatives, which include a community education center, re-use shop, repair café, and a tool-lending service. The city’s innovative use of sensors for planter watering also gained special recognition for its resource-saving efficiency. Wrexham’s impressive greening efforts have also earned it the “Tree Cities of the World” status.
Peter Barton-Price, Chairman of Wales in Bloom, added, “Achieving Gold in all three judging criteria demonstrates Wrexham’s commitment to the natural environment and education. The people of Wrexham have shown true passion, raising a small army of volunteers to support these initiatives.”
This Gold award highlights Wrexham’s forward-thinking approach to sustainability and community-driven horticulture, setting a commendable example for cities across the UK.
