Britain in Bloom: Volunteers Greening Up UK Train Stations 2026

Britain in Bloom volunteers are transforming UK train stations into vibrant green spaces, bringing colour and community pride to railway platforms across the country. Every year since 1964, towns across the UK have bloomed with hanging baskets and brightly coloured flowerbeds planted by residents for the Royal Horticultural Society’s Britain in Bloom competition. Now, the charity has launched a new award specifically for railway stations to honour the volunteers who keep platforms planted with cheerful flowers and pretty shrubs.

RHS Railway Stations in Bloom Competition

The RHS Railway Stations in Bloom competition shortlisted five of the best station gardens, marked not only for their beauty but also for how well they welcome wildlife and withstand changing climate conditions. The winner, announced this week, was the Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland. The RHS said: “The judges were especially impressed by how active the group was in including different members of the community in the station’s activities, from school children, Brownies to other volunteering and gardening groups.”

But all of the railway gardens are impressive. In Alresford, Essex, despite an extremely hot and dry summer, gardeners prepared by cutting through asphalt to create flowerbeds and planting a “dry garden” inspired by horticultural pioneer Beth Chatto. Chatto, who died in 2018, was known for growing plants in dry ground that had never been cultivated.

Transforming Communities Through Gardening

These volunteer efforts go beyond beautification. They foster community cohesion, improve mental well-being, and create habitats for pollinators and wildlife. The transformation of train stations into green hubs has been described as “transforming the village” by local residents, as the gardens become focal points for community engagement and pride.

Key Takeaways

• Volunteers are greening up UK train stations through the RHS Railway Stations in Bloom competition.
• Cardross Community Organic Garden in Scotland won the inaugural award for community involvement.
• Gardens are designed to be wildlife-friendly and climate-resilient.
• Community gardening improves well-being and brings people together.
• The initiative builds on the long-standing Britain in Bloom tradition.

Comparing Station Garden Features

Station gardens across the UK vary in their approaches, but all share common goals. The table below compares key features of the shortlisted gardens:

How to Get Involved in Station Gardening

If you’re inspired to green up your local station, here are some steps to get started:

• Contact your local train operator or community rail partnership to see if there’s an existing group.
• Join or start a volunteer gardening group—no experience necessary.
• Choose plants that are suitable for your local climate and support wildlife.
• Engage local schools, scouts, and community groups to broaden involvement.
• Apply for recognition through schemes like the RHS Britain in Bloom awards.

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