Dover in Bloom nominated for national Britain in Bloom following landmark debut year

Dover In Bloom (DIB), a town-wide initiative led by social enterprise Future Foundry, has been nominated for the prestigious national Britain in Bloom competition following a debut year that won top honours at the South and South East in Bloom Awards.

Update: National judging is expected in summer 2026, with results announced in autumn.

National recognition

Dover In Bloom is one of 18 first-time finalists among 44 villages, towns and cities across the UK. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) described this year’s entrants as:

“Standout groups that showcase the powerful impact that gardening and green spaces can have on both communities and the environment.”

The RHS added that community gardening goes beyond growing flowers and food — helping to unite communities, reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and turn overlooked corners into places rich in biodiversity:

“For this year’s finalists, community gardening goes beyond growing flowers and food – it’s about addressing complex environmental and societal challenges… unifying communities, reducing isolation, improving wellbeing and turning forgotten corners into places bursting with biodiversity.”

A remarkable first year

2025 marked Dover in Bloom’s first-ever entry into the regional competition, where the town achieved a Gold award and was crowned winner in both the ‘Large Coastal Town’ and ‘Biodiversity’ categories of South & South East in Bloom. Judges praised the project’s collaboration, youth leadership and strong connection to Dover’s natural heritage.

Dover in Bloom grew out of the 2023 Future Foundry Youth Survey, where young people said they loved spending time outdoors but felt parts of Dover were ‘neglected’ and lacked welcoming spaces. Future Foundry turned that feedback into action — creating a programme that empowers communities, and particularly young people, to lead environmental change.

Today, more than 40 partners — including schools, local businesses, environmental organisations and public bodies — are working together to transform public spaces, celebrate Dover’s landscapes and strengthen community pride.

“What is notable is that all of the concerned parties are using both the preservation and enhancement of the environment to bring community groups together to further social cohesion and economic development in the town.”

What’s happening in 2026

The Britain in Bloom nomination comes as new initiatives expand across the town. East Kent College students are helping replant areas around the bus station and along the River Dour — one of the world’s rare chalk streams — while The Forge youth arts group continues developing a community garden and youth café at Biggin Hall.

White Cliffs Countryside Partnership is delivering further conservation work along the River Dour, and Dover Town Council is transforming a former sports field on the Western Heights into a wildflower meadow. Meanwhile, the Reaching Greater Heights partnership — involving White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Kent Wildlife Trust, English Heritage, and Western Heights Preservation Society — is restoring chalk grassland habitats to support rare plants, insects and wildlife.

Recent discoveries underline the importance of this work, including the return of the greater mouse-eared bat and the rediscovery of the Dover twist moth after 72 years.

Dover in Bloom aims to share these hopeful stories of nature recovery while reconnecting the town with its extraordinary surrounding landscapes.

Key partners

Partners include Dover Town Council, Dover District Council, East Kent College Dover, Kent Downs National Landscape, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, English Heritage, the National Trust, Kent Wildlife Trust and Port of Dover.

Youth at the heart of change

From planting native species to shaping greener public spaces, young people are not just participants but decision-makers. Cultural events such as the Dover Winter Lantern Festival and Dover Youth Festival weave environmental themes into creative experiences, making nature visible, joyful and accessible to all.

“Dover in Bloom isn’t just about flowers – it’s about giving young people and communities the tools, confidence and voice to shape the future of their town. We didn’t begin with awards in mind. We began by listening to young people and supporting them to lead positive change – helping Dover become a place that feels greener, more connected and full of possibility.”

— Lisa Oulton, Director of Future Foundry

More events, volunteer opportunities and youth-led projects are planned throughout 2026, building a legacy that extends far beyond the competition.