The University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden has been awarded the West Country TV Cup for best ‘Outstanding Specific Project’ in this year’s South West Regional Final of the Britain in Bloom Competition 2011, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Colin Smith, presented the award to Nick Wray, Curator of the
Botanic Garden and Carole Webb, Chairman of the
Friends of the Botanic Garden, at a reception at the Mansion House yesterday [Thursday 29 September].
Bristol won the regional cup for best city and the Botanic Garden was judged as one of the elements making up Bristol’s entry into the competition.
Nick Wray said: “We are delighted to win the award once again. Our success is down to the hard work and dedication of the garden’s staff and our many loyal volunteers.
“The garden previously won the cup in 2006 and in 2008 the garden won the Monk Perpetual Trophy for best new initiative devoted to native plants.”
The award was part of a list of Britain in Bloom awards won by the city of Bristol this year, these were:
South West Tourism Trophy for the third successive year;
Gold Medal for the seventh consecutive year;
The West Country TV Cup for an outstanding specific project ~ Bristol Botanic Garden;
The Urban Community Trophy ~ Clifton Village;
The Sponsors Award ~ The Blue Riband Award presented to the city council for its performance;
Tweny-nine Neighbourhood Awards of which nine were for outstanding community participation.
The purpose of the ‘Bristol in Bloom’ initiative is to raise awareness and maximise the opportunities for improving the environment, also to bring flowers and colour to the City of Bristol, in partnership with communities in both the private and public sectors.
Further information
About South West in Bloom
South West in Bloom forms part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition and is one of 18 regional and national competitions that makes up Britain in Bloom, the biggest horticultural campaign in Europe.
Every year, hundreds of communities are involved, from tiny rural villages to the largest cities.
It is a campaign aimed at getting the best out of cities, towns and villages, both environmentally and florally and to get communities working together. Its main focus is to look at horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation.
About the University of Bristol’s Botanic Garden
The University of Bristol Botanic Garden at The Holmes is open to the public during October on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays from 10 am to 4.30 pm. From November 2011 to March 2012 the Garden will be open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am until 4 pm, or dusk if earlier. Admission to the Garden is £3.50 adults; £1 children under-16 free. Entrance to the Garden is free to members of the Friends of the Botanic Garden Association and University of Bristol staff and students. Disabled access and toilet facilities available.
Directions to The Holmes
From the city centre go to the top of Whiteladies Road, at the junction and traffic lights go straight ahead across Durdham Down towards Stoke Bishop. At the traffic lights go straight ahead and take the first turning on the right into Stoke Park Road, The Holmes is 150 m on the right.
Members of the public wishing to support the work of the Botanic Garden should join the Friends of the Garden. For more information go to www.bris.ac.uk/Depts/BotanicGardens/friends/who.htm or write to Susan Redfern, The Membership Secretary, 24 Dublin Crescent, Henleaze, Bristol BS9 4NA.
