Kendal flood scheme team enter six areas into Cumbria in Bloom awards
The entries are part of the Royal Horticultural Society's 'It's Your Neighbourhood' category and include Mintsfeet, Beezon Fields, Castle Street Fern Garden, Somervell Garden, the VolkerStevin contractor compound, and the Kendal Scheme Information Hub.
Maria Ullyart, Environment Agency engagement lead for the Kendal Scheme, said: "As part of delivering our flood risk management scheme, we are working to provide community benefits and improve the environment for people and wildlife.
"We are delighted Beezon Fields received an advancing level from the Cumbria in Bloom assessors last year.
"This is a new nature area, which will provide accessible and interactive outside space for the local community and visitors to enjoy.
"We look forward to building upon our success this year and taking part in Cumbria in Bloom 2025."
Last year, the Environment Agency received four certificates for horticultural improvements across flood scheme sites.
Beezon Fields was rated 'advancing', while Mintsfeet, the Information Hub, and the Kirkland Trust and Parish Church areas all received 'thriving' status.
VolkerStevin, the scheme's contractor, was awarded an 'improving' certificate for a garden developed at its Westmorland Business Park compound by Mick Goggin.
The RHS 'It's Your Neighbourhood' awards encourage community groups to work together to improve the environment in their area.
The Environment Agency has partnered with contractors and volunteers to improve public spaces throughout Kendal as part of the flood defence scheme.
Staff at the Kendal Flood Scheme Information Hub on Beezon Road have planted window boxes, while volunteers have planted trees and bulbs at Beezon Fields with the aim of boosting biodiversity.
Additional planting has been carried out around Somervell Garden, where the Environment Agency has commissioned a new wooden sculpture inspired by the John Speed map.
When complete, the Kendal and Upper Kent Catchment Flood Risk Management Scheme is aiming to help better protect more than 1,920 homes and 2,250 businesses from flooding, alongside its environmental goals.
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