Newbury awards at Thames and Chiltern in Bloom 2026

Motion Text

That this House congratulates Newbury on retaining the Silver Gilt and Best Large Town Trophy at the 2026 Thames and Chiltern in Bloom awards, achieving its highest-ever score; commends the skill and collective dedication of the volunteers, community groups, Council staff and ground maintenance teams who create and care for Newbury’s beautiful green spaces; recognises the lasting value these spaces bring to the town, providing cherished places that support residents’ wellbeing, improve air quality and reduce flood risk; further congratulates Friends of the Earth Newbury on winning the Biodiversity Award for its Newbury Nature Corridors Project; notes that through the planting of new woodlands and the restoration of ponds and gardens, its work has created a network of connected habitats across the town, allowing wildlife to thrive; and expresses gratitude to all community groups for their ongoing work to boost biodiversity and encourage greater appreciation of West Berkshire’s natural environment.