Faversham has once again proven its dedication to horticultural excellence and community spirit by winning Gold and being named Overall Winner in the Large Town category at the prestigious South & South East in Bloom Awards 2025. This remarkable achievement reflects the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of volunteers, residents, and local organisations who have helped make Faversham bloom beautifully throughout the year.
In addition to the town-wide accolade, several local groups received Outstanding awards in the It’s Your Neighbourhood category, showcasing the depth and diversity of Faversham’s green efforts:
- Faversham AlmshousesÂ
- Friends of Abel’s AcreÂ
- Middle RowÂ
- Millfield Allotment Association Â
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These awards are a testament to the passion and commitment of individuals and groups who work tirelessly to enhance the town’s environment and community spaces.
Ted Wilcox, Chair of Faversham in Bloom, shared his pride in the town’s success:
“We are absolutely thrilled with this year’s results. Winning Gold and being named the overall winner in our category is a huge honour. It reflects the incredible teamwork and dedication of everyone involved, from our volunteers and community groups to the support from local businesses and the Town Council. Faversham continues to show what can be achieved when people come together to care for their town.”
The judges were full of praise for Faversham, noting the town’s charm, community engagement, and innovative approaches to gardening in challenging conditions. Their visit left them with a strong impression of a “delightful historic town” with well-maintained buildings and a community that “strives to support each other and ensure that the local environment is as pleasant as possible”.
They highlighted the Physic Garden as a “real gem for the town,” commending its blend of horticulture, education, and community wellbeing. The Stonebridge Allotments, with their unique island layout, were described as “one of the most attractive allotment sites” the judges had ever visited. The Recreation Ground was praised for its vibrant use and well-maintained spaces, while the Middle Row planters and Abel’s Acre were recognised for their creative solutions to planting in difficult conditions.
The judges also noted the town’s strong environmental ethos, with bee-friendly planting, water recycling efforts, and a lack of litter or graffiti. They were particularly impressed by the community’s resilience during a summer marked by heatwaves and water shortages and encouraged further innovation in sustainable gardening practices.
Faversham’s success in this year’s awards is not just a celebration of flowers and foliage, it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and care. Congratulations to everyone involved in making Faversham bloom!
