Sefton is celebrating a spectacular year in the Britain in Bloom competition, with Southport In Bloom taking home a national award. Across the borough, communities, parks, and neighbourhoods have flourished thanks to the tireless efforts of local volunteers who dedicate countless hours to making Sefton greener, cleaner, and more welcoming.

At the heart of this success lies a simple truth: without volunteers, none of this would be possible. Their commitment transforms not only flowerbeds and parks, but the very spirit of the communities they serve. From Southport to Crosby, Bootle to Formby, every corner of Sefton has benefited from people who give their time, energy, and creativity to make their towns bloom.

As Cllr Mhairi Doyle, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said after the awards ceremony:

“This is a victory for every single volunteer who gave their time to make Southport a cleaner, greener and more beautiful place. They have shown the whole country that Southport is a thriving town with a wonderful community that truly cares about its public spaces.”

Over 150 volunteers contribute tens of thousands of hours each year to Southport’s incredible displays. Their work is a shining example of how civic pride and teamwork can transform the places we live in.

Among the many who give so much, a few stand out as symbols of the wider movement:

Ann and David Cobham, who represented the town at the Britain in Bloom awards ceremony in 2025, embody the dedication of countless local groups.

Helen Marshall, a volunteer with Lord Street in Bloom, lovingly tends the floral tributes in the Town Hall Gardens.

These individuals represent a much larger network of passionate people and organisations, including:

Lord Street in Bloom – responsible for the Town Hall Gardens and the many displays along one of the North West’s most iconic boulevards.

Friends of Rotten Row – who maintain one of the UK’s longest continuous herbaceous borders, a source of pride and inspiration for residents and visitors alike. The group’s chair, Karen Rigby, continues to lead the way in preserving this landmark.

Botanic Gardens Community Association – working hand-in-hand with Sefton Council to conserve and improve the historic Botanic Gardens, ensuring future generations can enjoy its beauty.

Hesketh Park Heritage Group – whose members lovingly care for the park’s sensory garden, offering a peaceful and inclusive space for all.

Southport BID (Business Improvement District) – supporting the town’s floral efforts and helping connect businesses with community groups.

Local businesses have also played a crucial role, sponsoring planters, funding displays, and lending practical help to bring colour to streets and shopfronts.

Together, these groups and individuals form the roots of Sefton’s success. Their dedication not only beautifies the borough but strengthens its sense of identity and community spirit. Every hanging basket, restored garden bed, and well-tended border is a reminder of what can be achieved when people care for the places they call home.

As Southport celebrates its national title, it’s important to recognise that every volunteer—from those watering flowers on summer mornings to those planning displays in the winter months—has made a difference. Their efforts have inspired pride across Sefton and shown that when communities come together, extraordinary things can happen.

So to everyone who has lifted a trowel, planted a bulb, or swept a path this year: thank you. Your work makes Sefton brighter, greener, and more beautiful for us all. Let’s never take that for granted.

Here are the results for In Bloom across Sefton

Southport In Bloom – Best Large Coastal Resort category winner and gold award.

Crosby and Waterloo In Bloom – Small Coastal Resort category winner and gold award.

Ainsdale In Bloom – Best Town category joint winner with Norden In Bloom and gold award.

Bootle In Bloom – Urban Community category gold award.

If you want to join a local green space group to go our website and apply for a role.

We also hold regular volunteer days with Sefton’s many green spaces, if you would like to join one, please sign up to our mailing list to keep up to date with our latest volunteer taster days.