The dedicated volunteers and staff maintaining Southport's parks and greenspaces have seen their efforts pay off spectacularly. The resort was recently crowned Best Overall Entry in the national Britain In Bloom Awards for 2025.
This prestigious accolade was awarded at a national ceremony, where the town's stunning coastline was highlighted as a key factor in its success. The judges were reportedly left in awe during their summer visit.
What Impressed the Britain In Bloom Judges?
The Britain In Bloom Awards are judged on three core pillars: Community, Environment, and Horticulture. While Southport's horticultural gems like Rotten Row and the Botanic Gardens received well-deserved praise, it was the natural beauty of the Sefton Coast that provided a decisive edge.
A pivotal part of the judging tour was a visit to the Queen’s Jubilee Nature Trail, where the Green Sefton team has been actively restoring natural habitats. The area had been mown the previous winter to suppress invasive species, allowing native flora to thrive.
A Breathtaking Display of Native Wildflowers
The result was a spectacular and vibrant meadow that rivalled any formal garden. The judges were treated to a stunning display featuring a diverse array of native species.
A breathtaking spread of Purple Loosestrife flowerspikes competed with Meadowsweet, Wild Carrot, Wild Parsnip, Water Mint, Evening Primrose and Restharrow.
This authentic coastal landscape demonstrated that native wildflowers can create a visual impact as powerful as cultivated horticultural displays.
Praise for Coastal Conservation and Education
In their report, the judges heaped praise on the comprehensive conservation work. They highlighted the importance of the area's SSSI and RAMSAR status, and celebrated the active management of sand dunes and saltmarshes.
They specifically commended the "amazing effort and many volunteer hours" dedicated to this special habitat. Key initiatives that impressed them included:
- Removal of invasive species like Sea Buckthorn and Japanese Rose to protect the delicate dune system.
- Habitat management supporting rare species such as the Natterjack Toad, Sand Lizard, Northern Dune Tiger Beetle and Dune Helleborine.
- Ongoing surveys and assessments to monitor the ecosystem's health.
- Educational outreach to schools, locals, and visitors about biodiversity and carbon sequestration in saltmarshes.
The success in the Britain In Bloom Awards underscores how Southport's community-driven environmental work is gaining national recognition, beautifully blending horticultural excellence with vital conservation on its unique coastline.
