Ansdell in Bloom led the national success, winning Gold in the Coastal category. This award honours the dedication of volunteers who maintain the area's vibrant streetscapes. Regionally, Fylde secured a total of nine Gold awards. Among the recipients were Ashton Gardens, Lowther Gardens, Promenade Gardens, and Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee Gardens (also known as Crescent Gardens), alongside St Annes on Sea, Kirkham, Freckleton, Little Eccleston, and Weeton. Several areas, including Ansdell, Staining, Wrea Green, and Clifton Hospital, received Silver Gilt accolades.
Individual contributions were also recognised. Greg Anderton, the garden designer behind the Leafy Lytham Garden Hub at Lytham Hall, received the Chairman’s Award in memory of Bill Blackledge MBE. Amy Docherty, Fylde Council’s Parks Operations Supervisor, was presented with the North West in Bloom Award for Outstanding Contribution.
Community groups also achieved significant success. Eight groups reached the top ‘Outstanding’ level in the It’s Your Neighbourhood Awards. The Fylde Sand Dunes Project celebrated its ninth consecutive Outstanding award and received the North West in Bloom Award for Sustainable Gardening. The Friends of Newton Community Park marked five years at the Outstanding level.
“"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."
Councillor Jayne Nixon, Lead Member for Tourism, Leisure and Culture, praised the collaborative effort: “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.” This success builds on last year’s 41 honours and reflects the combined efforts of Fylde Council’s Parks and Coastal Services, Waste and Fleet Services, Parish and Town Councils, and numerous community groups. Residents can enjoy the results across the borough, and new volunteers are encouraged to join their local In Bloom groups.
