Judging Guidelines:

Gold 170 points and above: Outstanding. An exceptionally high standard demonstrated throughout. A consistent approach which demonstrates both best practice and sustainable effort. Meets all of the judging criteria and objectives of Britain in Bloom and scores very highly in each section of the judging criteria.

Silver Gilt 150-169 points: Very Good. A high standard entry which meets virtually all of the judging criteria and includes sections of exceptionally high standards. Exemplifies best practice in multiple areas and demonstrates very high potential for continuing development and sustainable efford.

Britain in Bloom Results for Great Whittington:

2011: Silver Gilt

This small village in rural north eastern England is an excellent example of a small community working together. For the judges this was an enjoyable and valuable visit with interest shown in the varied aspects of the criteria and horticultural expertise being evident. Colourful and sustainable planting was prominent in most places. Thank you to our hosts, we left with fond memories.

Horticultural Achievement

Areas of achievement:

Your obvious care in ensuring the maintenance of empty properties.

The allotment project is a useful addition and will mature given time.

The Queen's Head hayricks on the wall had a good selection of colourful plants and many containers in other areas were of a similar standard.

Private gardens visited were well designed with a wide variety of plantings.

The front to Scott's of Great Whittington was a good example of mixed planting by a business and this was replicated at other locations throughout the village.

We were impressed with the wide range of trees throughout the village.

Standards of maintenance were good throughout and we noted the professional edging of grassed areas.

It was good to hear of the massive daffodil planting and to see the evidence during the presentation.

Areas for Development:

It is suggested that an indigenous hedge be planted along the allotment boundary (provided permission can be obtained from the landowner). Once established, mature shrubs providing some protection could be removed to give more space for cultivation.

Continue with your scheme for the tree leaflet and other plant identification.

Whilst accepting that there were good areas of sustainable planting you may wish to consider further additions in future with an emphasis on plants for pollinators; the RHS has a list available on their website.

Environmental Responsibility

Areas of achievement:

Your "Welcome Home" theme is to be applauded alongside your prominent "Back to the Good Old Days" ethos.

The educational value of the children's nature area was obvious and the children's activity sheet was very innovative.

Signage boards and way marker posts were appropriate for the village.

We did not see any litter or any problems at all associated with local environmental quality.

Areas for Development:

It would be good to see agricultural artefacts used to enhance the local heritage, e.g. milk churns, ploughs or seed drills.

Consider willow weaving in the children's area.

You should apply for grants for your environmental proposals, e.g. interpretation boards and wildflower meadow. Awards for All would be a good place to start.

The wildflower meadow is an excellent proposal but you must remove the top soil and reuse and sow with an appropriate mixture. Consider the information judges provided on the day and/or visit the RHS website or contact the RHS Advisory service for additional advice.

Community Participation

Areas of achievement:  

The presentation and portfolio appeared professionally produced and were well received.

Ample evidence was given of future Bloom initiatives.

Considering the small population of the village, having the majority of local people actively involved is laudable.

The high profile positioning of the Britain in Bloom finalist banner and good use of the What's On board to publicise events. The judges also appreciated the DVD of the village.

Areas for Development:

We encourage your efforts to obtain full funding for your village hall renovation and we hope you are successful.

You may wish to consider a project to record the residents' past and present reflections on the above items and other village interests. It would strengthen your link to your local heritage.

Northumbria in Bloom Results for Great Whittington:

2011: Overall score 180 points, Gold Award

Another brilliant result for Great Whittington, raising our score on last year and making sure we remain well within the Gold category. Thanks to everyone who helped, our village is looking better than it has looked for years and the community spirit this year has been amazing.

Judges Feedback: (with our comments in brackets)

Summary: The village is most charming in every way and the residents are really involved. The roadside verges are outstanding as are the individual gardens.

Spring Judging: 34/40 (room for improvement here, we need more colourful bulbs next year)

Areas of achievement: The "Bug House Hotel" is a very good conservation effort involving children. The spring bulb planting was effective and well planned.

Areas for improvement: The village public house could become a focal point for business premises points.

Summer Judging:

Horticultural Achievement:  69/80 (we dropped a point here on last year, again, room for improvement, 11 extra points up for grabs).

Areas of achievement: 1) The wonderful up keep of the grassed areas. 2) Some outstanding residents gardens. 3) Quality planting and colour co-ordination. 4) The public house garden and baskets.

Areas for improvement: 1) Maybe some wall type baskets carefully placed would add colour. 2) Keep the spring bulb planting on-going.

Environmental Responsibility: 39/40 (up one point)

Areas of achievement: 1) The conservation area is really first class although the "Bug Hall" looked a bit untidy. (We will ask the bugs to be more tidy but, seriously, I don't think they'll be as attracted to a well manicured area so we might have to pass on this one. We tried to strim the grass around the base as suggested but there were baby frogs in it so we had to stop). 2) Some signage for the conservation area is needed. (We have done this but we need to raise funds to do it properly, the current signs leak when it rains and it rains an awful lot). 3) Very clean and tidy throughout the village. 4) Mrs Daniels' garden excellent all round.

Areas for improvement: Expand on any "Local Heritage" themes, especially farming related. (We thought we were really strong on this section this year with our new heritage theme and the communal vegetable plot but apparently not. Have to have another think. Saying that, we only dropped one point on the whole section so it can't be that bad.)

Community participation: 38/40 (up 3 points)

Areas of achievement: Scotts' business area was first class and could be enhanced further, carefully. (Sorry but we disagree with this one. This is a very busy working premises and we all think it looks amazing as it is. More planters would mean more work watering and less time and room for actual business. Thank you Scotts' for your efforts and please don't think you need to put any more planters in the area on our account!) 2) The "community allotment" is a first class project for the village residents (Thanks Tim Oliver). 3) The front gardens at Watson's Buildings (outside the courtyard from the Chapel to, and including, Scotts) are outstanding.

Areas for improvement: Keep encouraging the residents to support the campaign. 2) Include the young people and children in the campaign. (We try our best with both of these points but please support us whenever possible, we can't do community participation on our own).

So those are the judge's comments for this year. Some of the points we will work on and we're very pleased for the feedback. Other points we don't quite understand but we will definitely give them some thought. Ultimately, the aim is to improve our environment and our community, winning would be excellent but it isn't everything. Keep up the good work everyone.

2010: Overall score 174 points, Gold Award

Another massive improvement gaining 13 extra points and taking us comfortably into the gold category. Thank you so much to everyone who joined in this year, whether it was tending the village green, planting displays, watering, weeding or just giving your gardens a spruce up before judging - it all helped to get us the gold award, very well done!

Judges Feedback:

Summary: A lovely secluded Northumbrian village with many outstanding gardens and lovely well maintained grass verges. The community all get involved and the colourful planting of daffodils was very tastefully done.

Spring Judging: 31/40

Areas of Achievement: Resident's gardens and the village overall appearance was 1st class and the Bloom campaign very evident.

Areas for Improvement: The "Floral Impact" needs to be more evident but be careful how this is achieved, check the judging criteria.

Summer Judging:

Horticultural Achievement: 70/80

Areas of Achievement: The sustainable planting throughout the village was in keeping with the "Bloom Image". The grassed areas were immaculate.

Areas for Improvement: Maybe a little more floral impact could be introduced - but carefully. The wild flower garden needs attention and then maintenance.

Environmental Responsibility: 38/40

Areas of Achievement: The conservation scheme recently completed is very well planned. The 'Bug House' idea is very impressive. Carefully planted herbaceous plantings are very good.

Areas for Improvement: Look at other areas of conservation within the village and develop. Maybe a heritage theme could be introduced?

Community Participation: 35/40

Areas of Achievement: The Bloom Group are committed fully to the campaign and show great enthusiasm and knowledge. Talking to the residents they love the village and support the campaign.

Areas for Improvement: Involve the children wherever and whenever possible. Seek funding for new projects.

2009: Overall score 161 points, 80.5% - Silver Gilt Award

This is a massive improvement on last year with an increase of 15 points, taking us comfortably into the silver gilt category and only 9 points off GOLD! Very well done to everyone who has helped; please read on to find out what we did well and where we can improve over the coming months.

Judges Feedback:

Summary: A very attractive small farming and commuter village, where the public areas and private gardens are all well maintained and colourful. There is a wonderful community spirit here encompassing all ages from the elderly to the very young. Whenever one visits Great Whittington it is clean and tidy. Well done; an excellent entry.

Horticultural Achievement: Spring 13/20, Summer 70/80

Marks were given for:

Impact - design, colours, appropriate choice of plants, special features, presentation and innovation. Spr 2/4, Sum 13/16

Horticultural practice: cultivation and maintenance, quality of plants, sustainability, new planting. Spr 2.5/4, Sum 15/16

Residential and Community Gardening: residential, communal areas, allotments, public buildings etc. Spr 3/4, Sum 14/16

Business Areas and Premises: retail and shopping areas, leisure sites, transport terminals, car parks, farms, rural businesses, pubs, post offices, etc., Spr 2.5/4, Sum 13/16

Green Spaces: verges, parks and open public spaces. Spr 3/4, Sum 15/16

Areas of Achievement: Planting throughout the village is suitable for its rural setting - attractive plants thriving under dry stone walls (including outside the village hall) - also amazing large sempervivums flowering in the walls themselves; many old troughs well planted. Residential gardens are excellent with varied planting. We enjoyed discovering many 'secret' and attractive hidden corners. The grass on the variously shaped greens was in good condition and well cut.

Areas for Improvement: We look forward to the development of the wild flower garden at the village hall. The Great Whittington sign at the south end of the village could have planting around its base.

Environmental Responsibility: Spring 6.5/10, Summer 29/40

Marks were given for:

Conservation and biodiversity: wildlife areas, natural habitat. Spr 1/2, Sum 5/8

Resource Management: recycling, minimising demand placed on natural resources and any harmful impact on the environment. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 6/8

Local heritage: management and development of local heritage and/or identity, inclusive of natural heritage. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 6/8

Local environmental quality: management of vacant premises and plots, litter, graffiti, fly-posting, dog fouling. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 7/8

Pride of place: management of street furniture, signage, art in the landscape and hard landscaping. Spr 1/2, Sum 5/8

Areas of Achievement: Section is well covered; the natural field hedges behind the east side of the village are well tended and offer a natural habitat for birds and animals. Food is put out for birds, small mammals and insects. The village has 2 compost bins and saves plants (e.g. primulas) and seeds from one year to the next. There is evident pride in the village's history - old water pumps carefully restored and old premises (i.e. the butcher's shop) are well and clearly named.

Areas for Improvement: The seats, which technically are the local council's responsibility, need attention. The signs at the village entrances would make a more attractive approach to the village if brightened up with plants.

Community Participation: Spring 8.5/10, Summer 34/40

Marks were given for:

Development and continuity: development and sustainability of the local bloom initiative and evidence of on-going projects. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 7/8

Communication and education: community awareness and understanding, engagement with schools and young people and/or other community groups, press coverage, publicity materials. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 7/8

Community participation: community involvement is representative of the community's size and diversity. Spr 2/2, Sum 7/8

Year-round involvement: schedules of events and supporting evidence of year-round activity (primary evidence to be presented in a portfolio and/or presentation. Spr 2/2, Sum 7/8

Funding and support: initiatives to secure on-going support for the local bloom campaign including local business support. Spr 1.5/2, Sum 6/8

Areas of Achievement: The local bloom group is part of the Village Hall committee. Residents of all ages are members of the gardening club, which olds events such as a plant swap and sunflower competition for the children. There will be a family event in the autumn taking the form of a wildlife day where children can learn more about plants and animals in preparation for the start of the wildlife garden next year.

We were pleased to see, not only our NiB posters but also our visit was publicised each time in chalk on the blackboard outside the village hall! The village also has an excellent web-site, announcing forthcoming events etc., and also including the NiB judges' comments from the previous years. Fund-raising events are held throughout the year.

Areas for Improvement: Perhaps if would be a good idea to try to get some outside sponsorship as a lot of the current funds raised are needed for the renovation of the village hall.

2008: Overall score 146 points, 73%

Judges Feedback: (with our comments in brackets)

Spring Judging 23/30 points: the judges were impressed by the tidiness and general high standards of the gardens, the setting up of a gardening club which will ensure more community involvement and the plans for a village compost heap and for new flower beds along the verges.

Areas for future development: The frontage of the Queen's Head public house needs attention - removal of the dead hanging basket would be a good idea! (oops, it must be said that this was removed the week after judging and the new baskets are spectacular!)

Floral Displays 39/60 points: the judges were impressed by the continuing high standard of residential gardens and a new flower border along the wall of the village hall. The involvement of children especially with the sunflower competition, sponsored by the pub, is to be commended. The pub itself has greatly improved since the spring, with a tidy garden and bright basket by the door. (Phew!)

Areas for future development: More could be made of the village entrance and roadside edges could have some summer planting. More baskets and tubs etc at the pub would be beneficial.

Permanent Landscaping 40/50 points: the judges were impressed by the grass cutting, which was excellent for such a hilly village and the residential gardens which have a good mix of permanent planting.

Areas for future development: The village is fortunate in having some very attractive trees but more shrub planting, especially near the village hall, would add to its charm.

Conservation and recycling 17/30 points: the judges were impressed by the efforts made by residents to persuade Tynedale Council to provide better composting facilities and garden waste recycling.

Areas for future development: we would like to see more management of natural areas to create, for example, a wild flower area perhaps on the fringes of the village.

Local Environmental Quality 18/20 points: the judges were impressed by the high standard of tidiness and cleanliness throughout the village.

Areas for future development: We suggest the seat on the green be smartened up (this unfortunately hasn't gone down too well with the volunteer, who will remain nameless, but who spent the weekend before judging hosing down, sanding and generally preparing the seat before giving it a brand new sparkling coat of varnish, edging the grass around it and finishing it off with a strategically placed tub of flowers - perhaps the judges didn't like the colour!) otherwise just maintain the high standards already achieved.

Public Awareness 9/10 points: the judges were impressed by the portfolio which is good and informative and the website and newsletters which are excellent. We were delighted to see sponsorship from the new garden club and also from the Queen's Head for the children's sunflower competition.

Areas for future development: Continue to make the public aware of your activities and especially of Northumbria in Bloom. Keep up the good work involving local children.

2007: Overall score 125 points

Judges Feedback:

Spring Judging 20/30 points: the judges were pleased to see that more has been achieved on the roadsides and that the public house had made more effort. Greater involvement by individual gardeners was apparent. The appearance of the village hall could be improved.

Floral Displays 32/60 points: The high standard of residential gardens has been maintained. The new flower borders along the front street are a success. More could be made of the tyres at the village entrance and troughs could be used for children's flower projects.

Permanent Landscaping 34/50 points: The standard of grass cutting by the local authority is good although cuttings are left lying. The trees on the green are an attractive feature.

Conservation and Recycling 13/30 points: The village is surrounded by natural areas and some gardens encourage wildlife. The village has little scope for dedticated conservation areas but we suggest that children could be encouraged to work with gardeners to provide wildlife habitats.

Local Environmental Quality 18/20 points: The standard of cleanliness is very high everywhere.

Public Awareness 8/10: We were very impressed by the hard work of the Great Whittington in bloom team and the portfolio was helpful. Perhaps the new owners of the pub could help to publicise the village efforts in Northumbria in Bloom and children could be made more aware by involving them in projects.

2006: Overall Score 123 points

Judges Feedback:

Spring Judging/20/30 points: the judges were  impressed by the well cared for look of the village overall, the many attractive gardens, containers and baskets. The grass maintenance is of a high standard and the village is extremely tidy. The overall appearance is a credit to the residents. Flowers by the village signs are welcoming, grassed areas are very tidy and the trees in the public areas are well chosen and maintained. The portfolio was very helpful to the judges. The MOT centre has improved its appearance.

We would have liked to have seen more evidence of community involvement especially in floral display and conservation projects. The Queen's Head could do much more to enhance the central point of the village. Although they are very well cared for, public areas and the village hall lack floral interest.