Improve your world with Britain in Bloom

The report, entitled Britain in Bloom: transforming local communities, looks at how participating in Britain in Bloom has turned around the fortunes of places such as Nottingham, Brightlingsea and Manchester. Based on the results of 231 community gardening groups which responded to an RHS survey, and an in-depth look at 11 neighbourhoods, towns and cities across the UK, the report identifies four impacts of the campaign: the transformational, economic, social and environmental.

Sue Biggs, Director General of the RHS, said, ‘The report proves that gardening is not only a great social leveller but also the cohesive glue that binds and builds neighbourhoods, reducing crime, transforming lives and enabling commerce to prosper. For the millions of volunteers through Britain in Bloom who annually green up and clean up where they live, and have lots of fun while they're at it, this research highlights the incredibly positive impact they have on their communities and how important the national campaign is to the neighbourhoods that take part.’

 Transformational Impact

-          50% of Bloom groups listed transformation of disused space as a benefit of participation, citing that this space was previously an eyesore and a hub for anti-social behaviour which often created a fear of crime among residents

-          Groups listed a reduction in crime, an increase in community spirit, feel for a place and sense of pride as benefits of participating in Britain in Bloom

 Environmental Impact

-          Bloom groups look after an average of 15 acres of green space each

-          Nearly 70% of groups undertake litter picks, 33% care for street furniture and 25% remove graffiti

-          An estimated 115,000 trees, 352,000 shrubs and 21.6 million plants and bulbs are planted by Bloom groups annually

 Social Impact

-          90% of Bloom groups stated the main benefit of participating in the campaign was the ‘creation and development’ of communities

-          More than 50% of Bloom groups saw a reduction in crime and antisocial behaviour since participating in Britain in Bloom

-          Many groups grow fruit and vegetables, accompanied by cooking classes, meaning that more residents have access to healthy food and exercise in the form of gardening all year round

 Economic Impact

-         On average survey respondents (both Bloom and IYN groups) fundraised £6,044 each to carry out their work, and saved local authorities around £6 million a year

-          One local authority estimated that from an investment of £67,000 towards their community’s Britain in Bloom campaign they got back as much as £2.6 million from the work undertaken by volunteers.  The £2.6 million is calculated due to the work achieved, transformation to the community and the hours of work volunteers gave.

-          Businesses reported seeing the direct impact of Britain in Bloom on their profits, thanks to cleaner streets and less graffiti, which attracts more customers

-          Upwards of 4.4 million volunteer hours are given each year through Britain in Bloom to improve local surroundings. This is the equivalent of £155 million worth of labour at the National Minimum Wage

Each year over two thousand communities take part in Britain in Bloom. Using gardening as a tool, the campaign brings individuals together to form community action groups that make the places where they live cleaner, greener, brighter and better. Participating groups are assessed either regionally or nationally and awarded certificates of merit or medals accordingly. Each group is encouraged to demonstrate horticultural achievement, community participation and environmental responsibility through the projects they undertake. Most Britain in Bloom groups are run by volunteers, working in partnership with local councils. For more information and to download a copy of the report visit

www.rhs.org.uk/communities