Sark’s community gardeners are celebrating today after winning a silver gilt medal in Britain in Bloom

The island represented the Bailiwick of Guernsey following success in the Floral Guernsey competition last year.

A total of 68 groups from across the UK competed in 12 categories in the Royal Horticultural Society’s competition with each vying for a gold, silver gilt, silver or bronze medal.

Sark competed in the hotly contested Coastal category against communities including Whitby in Yorkshire, Hunstanton in Norfolk and Jersey’s St Clement.

The car-free ‘Dark Sky Island’ wowed judges with its work to maintain the natural beauty of the island and enhance the man-made environment.

RHS judges were impressed by the numerous displays of well-maintained horticulture across the island including the extensive gardens and grounds of Stocks Hotel, home to an orchard, permaculture garden and an organic kitchen garden.

The island’s green credentials have been boosted by work at L'Eperquerie, where space has been cleared to allow for heather regeneration and the planting of wildflowers, encouraging butterflies and other wildlife while also opening up stunning views.

Sark is also leading the way on cutting plastic use with ‘Go Green. Keep Sark Clean’ cotton bags and a water refill scheme helping to protect its precious marine environment. 

Finalists are judged not only on their floral displays but environmental and community efforts. Each was visited by a pair of RHS judges over a fortnight from the end of July.