Britain in Bloom judges welcomed to Derry

PICTURED ABOVE: From left to right, Brendan Mowforth Britian in Bloom Judge, Kelvin Shields Streetscape Team Derry City and Strabane District Council, Karen Phillips Director of Environment & Regeneration, Derry City and Strabane District Council,  John Quinn,  Cemeteries & Streetscape Manager Derry City and Strabane District Council and Mayor Cllr Ruairi McHugh, and William Ferguson, Streetscape Team, Derry City and Strabane District Council and Andrew Jackson, Britain in Bloom Judge.

Derry City and Strabane District Council has welcomed judges from the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition, as the city competes in the Best Small City and City category for 2025.

This competition celebrates excellence in horticulture, community engagement, and environmental sustainability. This year, 44 finalists from across these islands will be visited and judged on their efforts to enhance their local areas through gardening and community action.

During their visit, judges will view Derry’s vibrant floral displays, newly developed greenway, and the transformative Acorn Farm project. Situated in St. Columb’s Park, Acorn Farm is set to become a living, working farm offering education, training, and community activities - helping to boost sustainability and biodiversity in the city.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, praised the hard work of Council staff and volunteers: “Our beautiful floral displays and thriving green spaces are a real source of pride for the city. Being recognised in a competition like this allows us to showcase the incredible work being done to promote biodiversity and enhance public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to Council teams who work tirelessly all year around to make our city look so well and have so much to offer, and I hope the judges appreciate all the commitment and the hard work that goes into all of this.”

This competition highlights how community gardening can support mental health, environmental stewardship, and community cohesion. Many projects engage local schools, vulnerable groups, and volunteers—fostering pride and connection across neighbourhoods.

Winners in each of the eight categories will be announced at an awards ceremony this autumn, with one overall winner crowned Britain in Bloom Champion 2025.

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