With a history of success for communities in the Vale of Clwyd in the annual Wales in Bloom contest, the MP for the area Dr James Davies is keen to see this replicated in 2024 and is calling on local groups to put themselves forward for the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood' (IYN) scheme.
It’s Your Neighbourhood (IYN) is designed for volunteer-led community gardening groups which are focused on cleaning up and greening up their local area. It provides groups with the chance to get involved in the wider Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Wales in Bloom and Britain in Bloom initiative.
There is no charge to enter and participants are asked to carry out their projects with a focus on the three core IYN pillars:
• Community Participation
• Environmental Responsibility
• Gardening Achievement
Those taking part get free horticultural advice from the RHS as well as an annual visit from an It’s Your Neighbourhood assessor. The visit gives useful feedback, helping groups to develop their activities year on year.
The scheme is open to groups of all sizes and with a variety of projects, as long as they are focused on cleaning up and greening their local area.
Last year, both Prestatyn and Denbigh were awarded Gold status at the Wales in Bloom Award Ceremony, which was held at Denbigh Town Hall in the autumn.
It was later revealed that environmental projects in Prestatyn were instrumental in the town being awarded the highest accolade in the contest.
Prestatyn in Bloom received the full report from judge Jim Goodwin, who visited the town in July, and within it he stated that the ‘Environment’ category is their “strongest element”.
He said:
“I have always been impressed with your biodiversity, conservation, and related schemes. The Dunes management programme at Gronant is successful.
“Many supportive projects were visited, and I noted the development of areas such as Parc Bodnant, Morfa Gateway, and the adjoining Wetland Area.
"The Meliden Golf Club balance of uncut areas was done well, and the Wildflower meadow was superb.”
He congratulated groundsman for this display, which he described as “the best I have seen in a long time”.
He added:
“I should not forget the interest in nature at the Tiny Tots Nursery, and the children’s fondness of the Alpacas. Other Environmental support is welcome from the Friends of the Ffrith, who have developed a special biodiversity interest after a visit from an expert in the field. The hedgehog sanctuary is a delight, a very supportive facility.”
He also praised the lack of litter in the town, and the well-maintained street furniture, information boards, and hard surfaces, and said “the town’s heritage was covered very well, with the visit to the Roman Bath House, Hillside Shelter, and information given on the Offa’s Dyke Path, and the history of the former Prestatyn to Dyserth Walkway, and the conversion of the former goods shed.”
Prestatyn has been entering Wales in Bloom for many years, and achieved Gold for the first time in 2019. In 2023 they scored a total mark of 87 out of 100, just one mark below the category winner.
Their high score was also attributed to the “improvement in the quality of floral displays since my last visit”.
Mr Goodwin said:
“Colour effect, plant density and maintenance, and variety of subjects was much improved in many areas, particularly the Town Centre.”
He commended the church wall troughs in the High Street, along with displays from individual shops, the “superb” living wall, and the colourful displays at the Station. He was also impressed by The Orchard Project at Parc Bodnant, which he said “has developed well”.
In the Community category he welcomed the “addition of the Coronation Gardens group” and commented on the number of 'It's Your Neighbourhood' entries who all contribute to the community effort.
He thanked Prestatyn in Bloom for their efforts in promoting Prestatyn so well.
Commenting on the report, James, who is Chair of Prestatyn in Bloom, said:
“We were delighted with our Gold status last year and very high score and it was good to receive the full feedback.
“I am delighted that we scored so highly in the environmental category once again and applaud everyone involved in ensuring that we met such high standards.
“To lose out as overall winner in the Large Town category by just one point was disappointing, but we will take the judge’s feedback on board and I’m confident that we can build on our success to scoop the top prize this year.”
The deadline for all entries to 'It's Your Neighbourhood' 2024 is 31st March.
For further information and to access the application form, visit: https://www.walesinbloom.org/neighbourhood.html
