The judges for the prestigious Britain in Bloom competition stopped off at Aberdeen’s newest community to see how a significant investment in landscaping has added to the city’s blooming horticultural credentials.
The new Cults Burn Park, wildflower meadow, community orchard and PlayScotland approved playpark at Countesswells were included in the judges’ tour for the first time in the city’s long history of entering these awards.
These new green features at Countesswells support the 'Growing Smarter, Granite City Aberdeen' entry which is a finalist in the Scottish city category of the RHS Britain in Bloom UK awards.
The investment in almost five acres of new green landscaping at Countesswells has seen the creation of a new park for the community complemented by the extensive planting of over 600 new trees and new species of plants, which have in turn attracted a plethora of wildlife, and new horticultural features such as the wildflower meadow and the pebble 'beach' set within a new network of paths, waterways and ponds.
A community orchard has also been built and populated with fruit trees and herbs.
“The aim of Countesswells is to enhance the already stunning natural environment with well-designed spaces and features that deliver a truly unique and green place to live, work and relax,” said Allan McGregor, Countesswells project director.
“This fits with the criteria of Aberdeen’s entry for Britain in Bloom and we are very pleased to have been able to contribute something truly unique to Aberdeen’s bid. The judges were impressed by how we have focused on the creation of the community spaces first which supports the biodiversity to create something visually stunning and also promotes a sense of well-being among those living in the community.”
The Britain in Bloom competition, run in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), aims to support community groups across the country as they seek to “improve and enhance their local environment."
The volunteer judges will assess each entry on three attributes – horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility and community participation, along with this year’s theme of Year of the Young People.