Dover in Bloom and Samphire Hoe Celebrate Gold and Category Victories at RHS Wisley
Dover is celebrating a trio of top awards following a standout debut in the South & South East in Bloom 2025 competition. The town was awarded Gold and named Category Winner in both the Large Coastal Town and Biodiversity categories for its Dover in Bloom entry, a remarkable achievement for a first-time participant.
In addition, Samphire Hoe, the nature reserve created from Channel Tunnel excavations and managed by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, also won Gold and was crowned Category Winner in its class completing an exceptional year for the region.
The awards were presented on Tuesday 22 October at RHS Garden Wisley, where Dover’s Mayor Edward Biggs and Future Foundry Director Lisa Oulton accepted the trophies on behalf of the town. The Mayor also proudly collected the award for Samphire Hoe, recognising the vital work being done to protect Dover’s natural heritage.
“It was a privilege to accept these awards on behalf of the people of Dover,” said Mayor Edward Biggs. “They reflect not only the beauty of our landscape, but the spirit of our community; volunteers, young people, schools, artists, and organisations all working together for the future of our town.”
Led by creative environmental organisation Future Foundry, Dover in Bloom brought together over 50 partners including Dover Town Council, Dover District Council, White Cliffs Countryside Partnership, Kent Downs National Landscape, Port of Dover and English Heritage to create a town-wide portfolio that wowed the judges.
“This is an extraordinary result,” said Lisa Oulton, Director of Future Foundry. “Winning Gold and category awards in both entries is testament to the expertise, time, and effort that so many organisations, volunteers, communities, and young people have invested in making Dover a better place. Dover is often underestimated, but these awards show that we’re leading the way in sustainability and inclusion. This is about local people having a real voice in shaping the future of their town and open spaces — working together to make Dover more beautiful, welcoming, and resilient for everyone.”
Judges praised Dover’s approach as a model for the future of Britain in Bloom, spotlighting its strong environmental focus, extensive biodiversity restoration, and exceptional community engagement, especially among young people.
The winning portfolio featured:
- Rewilded chalk grasslands and conservation grazing
- Climate resilient allotments and wildflower planting
- Youth-led river clean-ups and biodiversity campaigns
- Sustainable planting in civic spaces and historic parks
- Public art and environmental education initiatives
Samphire Hoe, meanwhile, was recognised for its exceptional chalk grassland habitat, support for rare species, and inclusive community programming, including volunteering and outdoor education.
These wins come as Dover continues to champion its environmental legacy, from the White Cliffs and River Dour to the proposed UNESCO Cross-Channel Geopark.
To learn more about Dover in Bloom or to get involved, contact office@futurefoundry.org.uk
To view the Dover in Bloom Portfolio, visit the Future Foundry website www.futurefoundry.org.uk