Forest on show for Britain in Bloom judges
Forest was assessed against seven other villages across the UK in the Britain in Bloom awards yesterday.
The parish was shortlisted in the large village category earlier this year, in its third attempt at the national competition.
UK finals judges Ian Beaney and Roger Burnett were in the island yesterday touring the parish.
‘It’s early days but we’ve really enjoyed our visit to Guernsey, the sun has shone for us like it always does when we’re in the Channel Islands,’ said Mr Burnett.
‘The depth of history and heritage is very evident and it’s a privilege and pleasure to visit this lovely community with a long, illustrious history of being involved in Britain in Bloom.’
The judges visited locations such as the parish school and the Methodist church, the flower festival at the parish church and the Occupation Museum.
The parish is up against Great Coates in Lincolnshire, Holywell in Northumberland, Lauder in Scotland, Cannington in Somerset, Cullybackey Community Partnership in Ulster, Saundersfoot in Wales and Roberttown in Yorkshire.
Jersey’s top parish will be facing a less crowded class, with St Helier one of only four shortlisted in the coastal category.
‘It’s been a really nice mix of formal horticulture, biodiversity and local history, and those are the pillars of Britain in Bloom,’ said Mr Beaney.
‘Traditionally, Britain in Bloom was a hanging basket competition, but horticulture and looking after the environment has changed in recent years.
'It’s nice to see a group that has kept some of the tradition but has adapted and is looking at a more diverse environmental management.’
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony held in the autumn.
