L-R: Mia Willmott and Nicola Wheeler from InExeter, David Evans - Head of Grounds at the University of Exeter and lead for the citywide award application, Mattie Richardson - owner of Bunyip Craft and South West in Bloom volunteer, and Cat Chambers – Head of Operations at Exeter City Council.

Exeter Returns to City Category in South West in Bloom and Wins Gold

Exeter has proudly scooped a Gold Award at the South West in Bloom Awards, held in Torquay this week. This prestigious recognition follows months of dedicated preparation and showcases the exceptional planting and greening delivered across the city by InExeter BID, Exeter City Council, and the University of Exeter.

This year marked a significant milestone, as Exeter entered the competition as a unified city-wide application for the first time in several years.

This award is not the first recognition from South West in Bloom - previously, InExeter and University had succeeded separately in their respective categories. The success highlights the strength of partnership working when the city’s anchor institutions come together with a shared vision.

RHS judges Bob Sweet and Sean Fletcher visited Exeter on Friday 25th July, touring the University’s award-winning grounds, Northernhay Gardens, and key city centre locations. The tour was hosted by David Evans, Head of Grounds at the University of Exeter, Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter, and Nick Mead, Commercial Operations Manager at Exeter City Council. Volunteers and partners joined along the route, helping to showcase Exeter in its best light.

Judges praised Exeter’s rich horticultural heritage, noting that Northernhay Gardens is reputed to be the oldest public open space in England, dating back to 1612. The University’s planting legacy, established by the Veitch nursery in the 1860s, still features rare trees and plants collected by the Lobb brothers and E.H. Wilson, preserving a living connection to the city’s botanical history.

David Evans, Head of Grounds at the University of Exeter, added: "This award reflects the deep-rooted horticultural excellence of Exeter and the power of partnership. From our conservation collections to our biodiversity corridors, we’re proud to contribute to a greener, healthier city that honours its past while embracing a sustainable future."

Since its inception 10 years ago, InExeter has enhanced the city centre through greening initiatives, working closely with Boyces Nursery, a local family-run business. Today, over 140 hanging baskets and 50 square metres of planted areas flourish across the city, grown and maintained with environmental care and community pride.

Nicola Wheeler, CEO of InExeter, said: “This Gold Award is a wonderful recognition of Exeter’s pride in place, celebrating the creativity, collaboration and care that define our city. From our thriving local businesses and community partnerships to the way we enhance and look after our public spaces, this achievement reflects a shared commitment to making Exeter a welcoming, vibrant and sustainable city centre for everyone.”

Cllr Ruth Williams, Portfolio Holder for City Management at Exeter City Council, commented: “This is a fantastic achievement, and I congratulate everyone involved.”

“Exeter has some really great parks and green spaces which are brilliantly maintained all year round, as well as some amazing planters and containers in more built-up areas which add colour, vibrancy and a sense of pride through careful and creative planting.

“I know a lot of people have worked very hard on this and it has been a real partnership approach. To achieve a Gold Award is fantastic recognition of the pride that we all have in our great city, and I couldn’t be more pleased.”