Parish In Bloom

Leysdown Parish Council decided to enter Parish In Bloom for the first time in 2020 and received a Silver Award. Parish in Bloom is part of the national British In Bloom competition and is held every year.

The majority of seaside towns in the United Kingdom have welcoming signs with flowerbeds, seating, gardens & activity spaces to enhance the environment. Leysdown had limited facilities of this nature to enhance the environment & create interest for local residents & visitors alike.

Leysdown is part of the The Bee Roads network that forms part of a wider three-year project called ‘Making a Buzz for the Coast’. This is led by the Bumble Bee Conservation Trust in partnership with the Kent Wildlife Trust. That was the motivation behind the Parish theme for 2020, “Beeside the Seaside” because Leysdown is home to the rare & endangered Shril Carder Bee & Leysdown wanted to expand the communication of the importance of protecting bee environments amongst residents & seasonal visitors.

Leysdown In Bloom was led by Leysdown Parish Council with the Parish Clerk & Chairman coordinating the development & planting of all of the garden spaces. Volunteers assisted with clearing up old garden areas, building & planting new gardens, watering & weeding.

Donations were made by local residents including monetary (Joy Greensmith), the recycled boat (Chris Lee), topsoil & plants. Monetary donations were also received from the Leysdown Allotment Association, the Leysdown Over 60’s Club & SIA Cllr Tatton, & a £750 grant was received from Swale Borough Council.

There was much positive public feedback received showing good appreciation and though we haven’t entered again in recent years, hopefully in future years we will.