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Welcome! East Grinstead in Bloom is a group of local residents whose aims are to improve the local environment for the benefit of all. It is aligned with South & South East in Bloom, which in turn reflects the aims of Britain in Bloom, a long-standing environmental enterprise. Britain in Bloom is the largest horticultural campaign in Europe and each year involves hundreds of enthusiastic communities across the UK, from the smallest village to the largest city. Lasting improvements to their local environments through horticultural good practice, environmental friendliness, community involvement and sustainability are the aims. This campaign encompasses floral displays, permanent landscaping, biodiversity, street and neighborhood cleanliness, recycling promotion and encouraging all forms of community participation. Find out how YOU can join in.
Floral Displays The appearance of the town is much enhanced by displays of seasonal flowers by local traders and the town council. Each year, the members of the Bloom committee work with many parts of the community to achieve the striking displays. Traders get hanging baskets outside their premises for a small fee; the town council Operational Services team mounts the baskets along with watering and maintaining them for the season. The Council is also responsible for the lamppost baskets, along with the tubs and railing troughs positioned throughout the town. Cleanliness/Public Awareness The Committee works with other groups and the Town Council to deal with litter and graffiti so that we can be proud of East Grinstead's appearance. At least twice each year the railway station grounds are litter-picked, hedges pruned and flowerbeds maintained for optimum growth and appearance. We are currently considering additional areas on which we can work with local residents. Biodiversity Biodiversity is a buzzword which not everyone understands! The best definition we've seen is "the variety of life on earth, and includes all species of plants and animals and the natural systems that support them". Here it is used in its broadest meaning: establishing nature conservation and wildlife areas; cleaning up polluted sites; reducing the use of pesticides and damaging fertilisers; and maintaining and preserving natural habitats. Many of our schools are now both teaching biodiversity and establishing on-site displays. Establishing nature conservation and wildlife areas, cleaning up polluted sites, encouraging reducing the use of pesticides and herbicides as well as damaging fertilisers, and generally maintaining and preserving natural habitats all fall under the biodiversity banner. Permanent Landscaping The long-term landscape of East Grinstead is another area addressed by the Bloom Committee. This is the permanent plan structure about the town. The Town Council looks after public landscapes, and the Comittee's Front Garden Competition includes a section for private landscaping. This year we will be looking at commercial premises' landscapes with a view to upgrading and broadening these via a Commercial Landscapes section in the East Grinstead in Bloom competition. |
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