Rugby bids for Britain in Bloom glory

Rugby secured a place in this year's national final of the Royal Horticultural Society contest after being crowned overall winner at the 2025 Heart of England in Bloom Awards.

And the Britain in Bloom judges were taken on a tour of the town on Wednesday (12 August) to view the horticultural highlights and discover how the council works in partnership with volunteers and community organisations to boost biodiversity and get Rugby growing.

Wednesday's tour started in Caldecott Park, where judges met the team from Garden Organic - who run a 'grow organic' campaign in partnership with the council - and growers from the Hill Street Youth and Community Centre and Rugby Eco Hub, who tend to the park's community growing beds.

Elsewhere in Caldecott Park, the judges viewed recent improvements to the bowling green and tennis courts before stopping for a talk with members of the council's grounds maintenance team.

After walking through the town centre, the judges were taken on a tour of Rugby School's grounds ahead of a visit to the Great Central Way, where volunteers from Rugby Wildlife Group spoke about the conservation work which has created a string of thriving wildlife habitats.

Next stop on the tour was Whitehall Recreation Ground, where the judges met representatives from Butterfly Conservation Warwickshire to learn how, working in partnership with the council, garlic mustard seeds had been planted across the borough at schools, allotments and parks to support a diverse range of butterfly species.

The judges also saw Whitehall Rec's wildflower scrapes, noticeboards featuring historic photographs of the recreation ground and Rugby, and the works carried out around the War Memorial gates, including the installation of memorial benches.

The tour ended with lunch at the Benn Partnership Centre, where the judges were joined by the Mayor of Rugby, Cllr Nooria Sayani.

Cllr Maggie O'Rourke, Rugby Borough Council portfolio for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "Rugby really punches above its weight when it comes to our parks and green spaces, and it's a real team effort across the community - from the conservation volunteers, schools and community organisations to the businesses and sponsors who support Rugby in Bloom every year.

"It's an achievement in itself to make it through to the finals of Britain in Bloom, but now we're keeping our fingers-crossed for the awards later this year."

Rugby has made the final three in the 'small city and city' category of the Britain in Bloom Awards, with Grimsby and Wrexham also nominated.

The award ceremony takes place in Rochdale on Tuesday 20 October.

Cllr Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council's Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships, health and wellbeing, said: "Rugby is blooming marvellous when it comes to community gardens and wildlife conservation.

"Regardless of the results of the Britain in Bloom Awards, from the professionals to the many volunteers, a big pat on the back for all your efforts in spite of the very long heatwave."

For more information about parks and open spaces in the borough, visit www.rugby.gov.uk/ourparks