Fylde Strikes Gold as Communities Bloom at Regional and National Awards

Fylde’s parks, villages and seafront are among the best in the country, after our communities struck gold at the national RHS Britain in Bloom finals and enjoyed another fantastic year at the North West in Bloom Awards 2026.

Ansdell in Bloom led the way nationally, winning Gold in the Coastal category – a brilliant reward for the volunteers who keep its streets bursting with colour.

Regionally, Fylde brought home nine Golds. Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Promenade Gardens and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Gardens (known informally as Crescent Gardens) were joined by St Annes on Sea, Kirkham, Freckleton, Little Eccleston and Weeton. Ansdell, Staining, Wrea Green and Clifton Hospital each earned Silver Gilt.

Greg Anderton, the garden designer behind the Leafy Lytham Garden Hub plant centre at Lytham Hall, received the Chairman’s Award in memory of Bill Blackledge MBE, while Amy Docherty, Fylde Council’s Parks Operations Supervisor, was presented with the North West in Bloom Award for Outstanding Contribution.

Community groups shone too, with eight reaching the top ‘Outstanding’ level in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards. The Fylde Sand Dunes Project celebrated its ninth Outstanding award in a row and also won the North West in Bloom Award for Sustainable Gardening. The Friends of Newton Community Park marked five years at Outstanding.

Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, said: “From Ansdell’s National Gold to our smallest pocket park, these awards show what happens when volunteers, community groups and council teams pull together. Our green spaces are where families spend their weekends, where friends meet for a walk and a catch-up, and where visitors fall in love with Fylde – so this recognition belongs to everyone who lives here.

“A huge thank you to every member of our parks and ranger teams, In Bloom volunteers and community groups who have weeded, watered and planted their way through the year. You’ve made Fylde an even more beautiful place to live and visit.”

Building on last year’s 41 honours, this success reflects the efforts of Fylde Council’s Parks and Coastal Services, Waste and Fleet Services, Parish and Town Councils and countless community groups.  Residents can enjoy the results in parks across the borough right now – and anyone keen to get their hands dirty is warmly invited to join their local In Bloom group.

Full List of Honours 2026

RHS Britain in Bloom 2026

• Coastal – Ansdell in Bloom – Gold

North West in Bloom Discretionary Awards

• Chairman’s Award in Memory of Bill Blackledge MBE – Greg Anderton
• North West in Bloom Award for Outstanding Contribution – Amy Docherty

NWIB Awards

• Local Authority Small Park – Ashton Gardens – Gold
• Local Authority Small Park – Lowther Gardens – Gold
• Local Authority Small Park – Promenade Gardens – Gold
• Pocket Park – Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Gardens – Gold
• Large Coastal – St Annes on Sea in Bloom – Gold
• Small Town – Kirkham in Bloom – Gold
• Small Town – Freckleton in Bloom – Gold
• Small Village – Little Eccleston in Bloom – Gold
• Village – Weeton in Bloom – Gold
• Small Coastal – Ansdell in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Large Village – Staining in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Large Village – Wrea Green in Bloom – Silver Gilt
• Hospital – Clifton Hospital – Silver Gilt

It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards

• The Fylde Sand Dunes Project – Outstanding and Special Award for Sustainable Gardening
• Friends of Newton Community Park – Outstanding and 5 Years Outstanding Certificate
• Park View 4 U – Outstanding
• Friends of St Annes Station – Outstanding
• Friends of Lytham Station – Outstanding
• Friends of Ansdell & Fairhaven – Outstanding
• Shepherd Road Allotments – Outstanding
• Forces of Nature Community Wellness Garden – Outstanding