Britain in Bloom is one of the longest-running environmental competitions in the UK, and arguably the best-known, encouraging residents and businesses across local communities to improve their surroundings. Under the guidance of the Royal Horticultural Society, more than 1,600 groups participate each year, their work tying directly into the society’s four key aims: Horticultural excellence, community involvement, environmental friendliness and sustainability. North West in Bloom is the voluntary regional organisation that runs the competition in Lancashire, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Set in 12 acres of land, complete with wooded zones, pond area and a bamboo garden, Zen’s site has become a haven for local wildlife, ranging from insects and small animals to foxes, mink, moorhens, damselflies and butterflies. It’s lovingly looked after by the company’s security and maintenance team along with volunteers from across the organisation.
“The awards were the culmination of all the hard work put in throughout the year by Zen staff volunteers with regular input from Greenman Landscapes”, says Michael Marland, Buildings and Security Manager for Zen. “I can’t thank all of them enough for making these grounds the beautiful oasis we all enjoy today.”
Zen originally entered the competition in 2013 as part of Rochdale in Bloom, helping the community towards a Silver Gilt Award for Best Large Town/Small City – an award it won again this year. Proud of its ties with the local North West community, Zen has, since becoming involved in Britain in Bloom, enjoyed even closer links with like-minded local businesses and schools. As Michael Marland puts it, “The Britain in Bloom competition brings out individuals from all walks of life, who not only care about their local environment but do something about making it a better place to live.”