Manchester is booming with opportunity as the city’s In Bloom initiative invites residents, community groups, and local businesses to transform neighbourhoods through gardening and community work.
Part of the national Britain in Bloom initiative, it empowers community groups to reimagine their surroundings – whether it’s a neglected alleyway, a small patch of greenspace, or a bustling urban corner. The goal is to create cleaner, greener, and more connected communities that inspire pride and wellbeing through the benefits of gardening.
The projects intend to foster a stronger sense of belonging in neighbourhoods. Research shows greener spaces can reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, boost biodiversity, and improve mental health. Councils, businesses, and residents are working together to build lasting partnerships, unlock new funding streams, and grow a vibrant volunteer network making a real difference. This year, Manchester proudly achieved outstanding results in the Britain in Bloom awards.
Some of the winning groups for the In Bloom awards are:
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Fletcher Moss Park, Didsbury – Gold (Large Park)
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Didsbury Park – Gold (Small Park)
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Parsonage Gardens, Didsbury – Gold (Small Park)
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Manchester City Centre – Gold (Large City/MBC)
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Didsbury Ward – Gold (Urban Community)
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Gorton Ward – Gold (Urban Community)
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Blackley Ward – Silver (Urban Community)
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Broad Oak Primary School and St Anne’s RC Primary School – School Awards
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Withington – Gold (Urban Community)
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Levenshulme – Silver Gilt (Urban Community)
Overall, 115 entries were submitted, with an impressive 86% scoring Level 4 (Thriving/Silver Gilt) or above, which is a testament to Manchester’s commitment to sustainability and community pride.
Lee-Ann Igbon, Executive Member for Vibrant Neighbourhoods, said: “I am incredibly proud to see the creativity and quality of our green spaces in this year’s In Bloom awards. The winners have been dedicated to improving sustainability and making communities more eco-friendly.
“In Bloom, in collaboration with our partner organisations, continues to inspire communities to work together and to ensure their neighbourhoods flourish all year round. I want to say a huge congratulations to our winners for their hard work – it is well deserved.”
A spokesperson from BAQ Alley, who won Best Newcomer, said: “We were thrilled to be bestowed the RHS IYN – Best Newcomer 2025 award. The process of developing our community garden was a perfect conduit for establishing links with neighbours of old and new.
“In less than 12 months, this ordinary Northenden alley went from desolate wasteland to floral garden, thanks to support from the Manchester In Bloom. team, William White and Felix White. ‘Together We Can’ was the motto we worked by and ‘Together We Will Continue.’
