Dunstable has secured a national Gold award at the 2026 RHS Britain in Bloom ceremony in Rochdale, a recognition that local organisers say reflects years of volunteer effort, school-led projects and town council investment in public spaces. Representing the Anglia region in the Large Town category, the town was one of 44 finalists to be celebrated at the event.
Community effort singled out by judges
Judges Roger Burnett and Dale Hector visited Dunstable in August to assess the town’s entry, meeting volunteers, community groups and organisations involved in the campaign known locally as Dunstable in Bloom. Their report highlighted several strands of work across the town, from horticultural improvements to environmental responsibility and community engagement.
One particular Special Highlight was awarded to the children of Ashton St Peter’s for their enthusiasm and dedication to a school garden project, with judges noting the pupils’ ability to discuss their work during the visit.
Recognition for an individual and the wider movement
At the national awards ceremony, Dunstable accepted the Gold alongside representatives of 43 other finalists from around the UK. The event also brought an individual accolade: John Crawley, who recently retired as Head of Grounds and Environmental Services at Dunstable Town Council, received a Community Champion Award for his contribution to the In Bloom movement.
Crawley joined the Town Council in 2019 and is credited in the awards material with playing an important role in Dunstable’s recent successes. The honour reflects both his personal commitment to horticulture and the part he has played in galvanising volunteers and council teams.
“Receiving Gold at the RHS Britain in Bloom Awards is a fantastic achievement for Dunstable and something our whole town can be incredibly proud of,” said the Town Mayor, reflecting the council’s view that partnership working has been central to the result.
Local implications and wider context
The award underscores the scale of grassroots activity in Dunstable: volunteers, schools, local businesses and council staff have combined to deliver visible improvements to parks, streets and community sites. For residents, a Britain in Bloom Gold can translate into cleaner, more attractive public spaces, stronger community networks and increased visitor interest.
At a national level, the Britain in Bloom competition is often read alongside government and civic debates about the value of green infrastructure, biodiversity and community-led environmental initiatives. Success in the competition can reinforce local arguments for continued or enhanced investment in green maintenance and civic programming, at a time when councils and civil society groups are encouraged to meet both environmental and social objectives.
- Gold award for Dunstable in the Large Town category.
- Special Highlight for Ashton St Peter’s pupils and their school garden.
- Community Champion Award to John Crawley, retired Head of Grounds and Environmental Services (joined Town Council in 2019).
The town’s success also raises practical questions for local leaders: how to sustain volunteer engagement, how to ensure long-term funding for green spaces, and how to leverage recognition into wider regeneration or tourism benefits. Town councillors and community groups will now be tasked with building on the momentum the award provides.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | RHS Britain in Bloom 2026 |
| Category | Large Town (Anglia region representative) |
| Judges | Roger Burnett, Dale Hector (visited August) |
| Finalists at ceremony | 44 towns and communities (Dunstable + 43 others) |
For residents and policymakers in Dunstable, the award is both recognition and reminder: community-led environmental work can achieve national standing, but continued progress will depend on sustained collaboration between volunteers, schools, businesses and local government.
The Gold also offers an opportunity to showcase Dunstable’s green credentials regionally, and to use the accolade as a platform for future projects that align with wider aims around sustainability, biodiversity and community wellbeing.
