Residents win silver for Tadpole garden Village in national gardening competition

North Swindon's Tadpole Garden Village development has won silver in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition.

Thanks to two residents in Tadpole Garden Village, the North Swindon development has won silver in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition

RHS Britain in Bloom is a nationwide gardening competition and the largest horticultural campaign in the United Kingdom. Each year more than 1,600 communities across the country enter regional competitions, with 80 communities selected to enter the national finals.

Tadpole Garden Village was entered by local residents and neighbours Peter Welsh and Stu Olden. Over eight months, Stu and Peter worked closely together to brighten up the village, update the gardens with new planters donated by Crest Nicholson, and encourage local wildlife to the area, ahead of the judges visit in August.

Peter and Stu said they are now confident that Tadpole Garden Village can take the top prize next year and have already begun preparations for a new vegetable patch. To support their efforts, Crest Nicholson will be making a donation of spring bulbs.

Peter Welsh, Tadpole Garden Village resident and award-winner, said: “We love living in Tadpole Garden Village and saw the Britain in Bloom competition as another way to bring the community together. What started as a project for Stu and I now has more than 80 residents interested in helping us keep the village’s gardens looking pristine. We are hoping this Silver award will encourage even more people to get involved.”

Andrew Dobson, Managing Director of Crest Nicholson Strategic Projects, added: “As a developer, we understand the important role landscaping and mature gardens can play in creating a sense of community.

"When Peter and Stuart approached us about entering Tadpole Garden Village in the Britain in Bloom competition, we were more than happy to help. Not only does this demonstrate the pride residents have in their community, but it’s a great way to engage more residents and introduce them to wildlife in the local area. To have the work that Peter, Stuart and Crest Nicholson have done recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society with the Silver Award is just another testament to the thriving community we have created in Swindon.”