Through our Climate and Nature Friendly Communities Network we aim to support, connect and celebrate community growing projects across Scotland.
Here our Projects Assistant Jenna writes about the journey that Lauder in Bloom volunteers have been on since they joined the network over a decade ago - from fledgling group entering the Beautiful Scotland competition to becoming a multiple award winner last year and competing as one of the Scottish finalists in Britain in Bloom in 2024.
All the work Lauder in Bloom has done to beautify their town has not gone unnoticed – in fact, it’s the complete opposite! In 2024, they were nominated by Keep Scotland Beautiful to represent Scotland in the UK RHS Britain in Bloom finals competition for the very first time.
“Although it will be a huge challenge for us, we are proud to be given this opportunity for Lauder’s wonderful community spirit to be showcased to the UK Britain in Bloom judges this summer. It's our first time at this level and we're feeling a mix of “eeekkkk” and “oooooo”!”
Ray Theedam Parry, Lauder in Bloom
In 2023, Lauder in Bloom were recognised for their fantastic achievements and efforts over the year with a Beautiful Scotland gold medal certificate, won the Best Large Village Award and a further two discretionary awards: the David Welch Memorial Award for Something Special and the Keep Scotland Beautiful Award.
The group members work diligently throughout the year, running events like the woolly poppy display for Remembrance Day and creating a festive Lauder for Christmas. Alongside occasional events, they hold regular litter picks with the aptly named Lauder’s Waste Warriors, as well as regular gardening sessions. Lauder in Bloom are keen to promote gardening as a low-cost, accessible activity which everyone can participate in.
The group is out in all weathers; rain or shine, they are out giving up their time to make Lauder look loved. Through this level of commitment and motivation, Lauder in Bloom has proven to be a pillar of the community.
Lauder in Bloom is supported by Keep Scotland Beautiful, locals and businesses. Strong relationships with local businesses have been built since the group’s conception. To encourage locals to use local businesses, the group ran a campaign called Shop Local, which was incredibly welcomed by struggling shop-owners during the pandemic. In turn, businesses support Lauder in Bloom through sponsoring hanging baskets placed on their shopfronts, further aiding the beautification of Lauder.
Lauder in Bloom has a committed team of volunteers, recognisable through their friendly attitude, polo shirts and waistcoats. The Lauder in Bloom uniform was created with the aim of not only being a fashionable bit of kit, but helping create a sense of identity for Lauder in Bloom volunteers. When locals see the green tabards, they look forward to their town blooming for another year.
If you would like to learn more about Lauder in Bloom, please visit our pages here.
And if you think your community group could benefit from joining the Nature and Climate Friendly Communities Network check out the information on our site.
