Students, volunteers and staff at The Walled Gardens of Cannington were delighted to be awarded a five star award for the South West in Bloom Parks Award.

The judge visited in August 2015 and the team learnt of the result at a presentation at the University of Exeter in February. The judge visited the Gardens, the Community Orchard and saw the border designed by volunteers which runs along the Gardens’ wall, opposite the war memorial in Cannington.

Meg Winfield, a volunteer at The Walled Gardens of Cannington said,

“The Gardens are a wonderful resource for locals and visitors to the area. It is great that the tireless efforts of all those involved with the Gardens have been acknowledged by this award. Brilliant!”

The Parks Award puts a strong emphasis on community involvement and sustainability in the judging criteria. The Gardens have many Bridgwater College students gaining skills and plant knowledge as part of their studies, as well as a dedicated group of volunteers, who are integral to maintaining the beauty of the Gardens.

For the last two years, the Gardens and Bridgwater College have developed a strong relationship with Cannington in Bloom, providing training to the group and donating plants to various projects around Cannington. Cannington in Bloom achieved a Gold Award and were crowned Best Large Village in the South West in 2015.

Ray Wardhaugh, Chairperson of Cannington in Bloom said,

“On behalf of myself and fellow committee members of Cannington in Bloom, I would like to say a big well done to The Walled Gardens of Cannington. This was the first time they have entered the competition, with many formidable entries from across the South West. We look forward to our continuing partnership between The Walled Gardens and Cannington in Bloom and here’s to many more achievements.”

Bridgwater College is very proud of the hard work and achievements of The Walled Gardens of Cannington Grounds and Gardens team. Last year was a very successful year, including winning gold at the South West awards ceremony and achieving National Collection status for its Deschampsia collection.

If you would like more information about The Walled Gardens of Cannington, visit www.canningtonwalledgardens.co.uk, call 01278 655042, or email walledgardens@bridgwater.ac.uk.