Mansfield was blooming, as judges from the East Midlands in Bloom competition were given a guided tour of the District.

The judges were given a whistle-stop tour of Mansfield’s parks, town centre, open spaces and community projects, including the Green Flag award winning Titchfield and Carr Bank parks, St Edmund’s community orchard, the Little Roots community allotments in Slant Lane and the woodland burial site at Mansfield Woodhouse Cemetery.

They also called in at the King George V park to see the outdoor classroom that has been created in woodland, before visiting Asquith Primary School, the Quarry Lane Nature Reserve and the Appin Road community space.

The judges were given a special In Bloom Portfolio which detailed a large variety of activities that have taken place over the past year, thanks to the friends of the parks, community groups and local nature reserves.

Criteria for the judging included horticultural achievement, environmental responsibilities and community participation. The judges also assessed nature conservation, sustainability, permanent planting and cleanliness of the District.

Portfolio Holder for the Environment Cllr Philip Shields said: “The judges were able to see some of the great work and projects taking place across Mansfield in our parks and open spaces. I think we have a very good portfolio in this year’s competition and I hope that all the hard work and dedication shown by Council staff and our excellent friends and community groups will be rewarded when the results are announced later in the year.”

The results will be announced in September. Winners from the East Midlands in Bloom competition may then compete for the Britain in Bloom title. Last year, Mansfield was awarded silver gilt in the cities category.