Stonehouse in Bloom, Gloucestershire, has won the RHS Britain in Bloom UK Finals Competition 2026 with all residents taking on the role of ‘tree custodians’ within the self-designated ‘arboretum’.
With a long history fighting for local woodland and tree planting, Stonehouse created and oversaw local government adoption of its Community Arboretum Management Plan which sets out a framework whereby public and private landowners, renters and community groups can help Stonehouse leverage the benefits of trees for people and planet and contribute to the area’s ambitious plan to achieve tree canopy coverage of 30% by 2040.
Unlike a traditional arboretum confined to a single site, Stonehouse's Community Arboretum is defined by the town's boundaries and includes every tree, whether on public or private land.
Internationally recognised and held up as best practice by the UK government, the management plan prioritises the establishment of healthy trees over the quantity planted, with diversity in species a core consideration in future proofing the town. There are approximately 150 tree species growing in the town with climate resilient species including London plane, Tibetan cherry and swamp cypress.
Among the targets listed in the management plan is for at least 95% of newly planted trees to reach maturity. To this end local people are encouraged to play an active role as tree wardens, helping to water them while also contributing to species selection for future plantings. Reflecting the community's collective ownership of the arboretum, cuttings from the town's iconic Globe Willow – a weeping willow planted in 1921 to absorb excess water around a natural spring - are now growing in residents' gardens following major pruning of the storm-damaged tree in 2024.
Throughout judging, Stonehouse in Bloom showcased how horticulture and nature recovery are woven through the town. Judges were taken on a boat trip along the canal, highlighting its importance as a wildlife corridor for species including water voles and otters, and celebrating the community’s effort in restoring Stonehouse’s identity as a historic canal town. The judges praised the group’s horticultural achievements, particularly in adapting planting combinations around the town dependent on exposure to wind and sun, including dry beds filled with agapanthus, Mexican fleabane and lavender.
44 groups were selected to compete in the UK finals, having impressed Bloom judges in the regional arm of the competition. The finalists competed to win in one of eight categories as well for an RHS award: gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze.
Stonehouse in Bloom secured an RHS Gold and won in the Small Town category for which they were entered, going on to be crowned Overall Winner. The results were unveiled at a ceremony in Rochdale Town Hall this afternoon.
Darren Share, Chair of the Britain in Bloom judges, said: “Huge congratulations to Stonehouse, worthy winners of the Britan in Bloom UK Finals 2026. It’s fantastic to see how much the group is investing in its urban forest and the real community effort behind it. They are an inspiring reminder that Bloom groups can have a real and lasting impact, enhancing local environments and leaving a legacy that reaches far beyond their own communities.”
The care of trees was a strong theme for finalists across the UK this year, demonstrating the important role they play in the fight against climate change as well as their cultural significance. Rugby in Bloom worked with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to secure over 5,000 trees for 25 farmers across the region, which helped restore and create 810 metres of hedgerow. Elsewhere the group planted 60 trees - quince, apple, pear, and a range of stone fruits including local heritage varieties - to create a community orchard. Meanwhile Wrexham in Bloom has involved schools in its community tree planting programmes to inspire long-term environmental stewardship and Portishead in Bloom enlisted the help of Duke of Edinburgh students in clearing tree pits in their community orchard.
Sarah Galvin, RHS Head of National Community Programmes, said: “We have been so impressed by the achievements of this year’s finalists. After a summer of consecutive heatwaves and drought, engaging communities in hands-on approaches to tackling the climate crisis has never felt more urgent. This is the power of Britain in Bloom and the wider community gardening movement: turning practical local action into lasting environmental and social impact, while inspiring others to do the same.”
Other notable winners include:
- Wrexham in Bloom, winner of the Small City & City category, shone in their environmental efforts. The Wrexham Litter Pickers - engaging all ages from children to over 80s - have filled 41,000 bags of rubbish since 2021 and 9,000 this year alone. Elsewhere, 1125 hedgehog boxes have been given to the local community, as well as the installation of swift boxes made by volunteers using recycled wood.
- North Berwick in Bloom, winner of the Coastal category, have demonstrated resilience as a group in responding to the stormy conditions in the region. Volunteers from the group have been planting Maram grass into the sand dunes to reduce erosion.
- Community Champion Lisa Oulton is Director and Founder of Dover-based Future Foundry CIC, which works with young people aged 10–25 to build confidence and skills through creative and cultural practice. Through connecting with Dover in Bloom, more young people have had the opportunity to work directly with nature by planting native species, restoring habitats and improving green spaces.
- Young Champion Florence has worked hard on projects that help connect people with nature in Fletching, East Sussex. A highlight is her community buzz box, which saw Florence transform a disused phone box into an engaging hub for exploring the local environment, featuring identification charts, magnifying glasses, and even a seed swap station.
For the full list of Britain in Bloom results, please visit: www.rhs.org.uk/get-involved/britain-in-bloom/bloom-awards-results
