A Fenland town will be hoping to duplicate its success in the annual Anglia in Bloom competition when it takes on other towns across the country on the national stage this summer.
Chatteris was crowned 'Best Town' in Anglia in Bloom, and took a gold medal for a third time when the regional awards were announced last September.
Now the Fenland town has been confirmed as a finalist in the Royal Horticultural Society's Britain in Bloom 2026.
Also competing in the national competition from the Anglia region is Sawtry - who is in the small town category and is facing opposition from Alderley Edge in Bloom, Edwinstowe in Bloom, Goring on Thames in Bloom, Stonehouse in Bloom, Tidy Randalstown, and Wareham Community Growers.
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Sawtry won Best Special Feature (30 Years of Anglia in Bloom) for the planter on the St Andrews Flyover in last year's Anglia in Bloom.
More than a third (41%) of the community gardening groups that will compete this summer are new to the national competition.
A total of 18 of the 44 groups competing in 2026 are first-time finalists, including Poltimore in Bloom (East Devon) and Dover in Bloom.
All the finalists performed to a high standard in the regional level of the competition and will now be judged for an RHS gold, silver gilt, silver and bronze medal and compete to be named winner in their nominated category and the competition overall.
Chatteris will be competing against Blooming Haddington in Scotland, Glastonbury in Bloom, and Henley in Bloom in the Town category.
That such a high proportion of groups are competing on the national stage for the first time this year comes despite RHS research that shows the hurdles many groups continue to face day-to-day.
More than half (52%) of Bloom groups are worried for their future despite an increase in volunteer numbers (51%), with 25% operating on budgets of less than £500 a year.
Sarah Galvin, RHS head of national community programmes, said: “As highlighted in the RHS Space to Grow report, community gardening groups are doing incredible work and achieving remarkable impact, often with limited resources.
"The movement is thriving - 2.5 million people have taken part in the past three years, and a further 14.7 million say they’d like to get involved. Beyond being a competition, Britain in Bloom opens the door for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the social and environmental benefits of gardening.
"Congratulations to our 44 finalists, whose work is strengthening their communities and inspiring others to get involved.”
There are 17 Britain in Bloom Regions that nominate their highest-performing entries to compete in the RHS-run UK Finals.
Each of the finalists will be visited by a pair of judges in summer 2026, and winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in the autumn.
If you are inspired to get involved in community gardening in your area, find out more at www.rhs.org.uk/community.
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