MEA in Bloom 2025: Community competitions launched to beautify borough and boost biodiversity

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has officially opened entries for the 2025 Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions, calling on residents to unleash their green-fingered talents to enhance the beauty of the borough while promoting biodiversity and wellbeing.

This annual initiative, which has garnered numerous horticultural accolades, encourages individuals, schools, and businesses to transform their local environment through vibrant gardening projects.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman William McCaughey, launched the campaign with enthusiasm, highlighting its dual focus on environmental and community benefits.

“Mid and East Antrim has won numerous horticultural awards thanks in part to our Mid and East Antrim in Bloom campaign which encourages everyone who lives in the Borough to think about their local environment and how flowers, plants, trees and gardens can enhance it for people and wildlife,” he said.

This year, the competition places a strong emphasis on biodiversity, urging participants to incorporate pollinator- and wildlife-friendly plants, reduce mowing, and allow areas to grow wild.

Alderman McCaughey added, “Why not create your own little wildlife pond? Look out for our category ‘Gardening for Wildlife Award’!”

This focus aligns with growing environmental awareness, encouraging residents to create habitats that support local wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

Gardening for Health and Community Spirit

Beyond its environmental impact, the Mid and East Antrim in Bloom initiative underscores the profound health and wellbeing benefits of gardening. In recent years, millions across the UK have rediscovered the therapeutic power of connecting with nature.

Gardening has been shown to reduce stress, improve mental health, and foster a sense of community pride. The competition provides an opportunity for residents to engage with nature while contributing to a greener, more vibrant borough.

Alderman McCaughey emphasised the community-driven spirit of the initiative:

“Our Mid and East Antrim in Bloom Community Competitions are a great chance for residents to be recognised and rewarded for their gardening skills and for helping to make our Borough a greener and more colourful place.”

A Diverse Range of Categories

The 2025 competitions feature twelve categories, catering to a wide range of participants, from individual gardeners to schools and commercial premises.

Entry is free, ensuring accessibility for all residents of Mid and East Antrim. The general categories include:

•  Best Kept Front Garden

•  Best Kept Front Container Garden

•  Best Kept Community Planting Scheme

•  Best Kept Allotment Garden

•  Best Kept Commercial Premises

•  Gardening for Wildlife Award

•  Volunteer of the Year

•  Outstanding Contribution to In Bloom

For younger residents, four dedicated categories encourage creativity and environmental stewardship:

•  Young Volunteer of the Year

•  Blooming Creative

•  Best School Gardening Project

•  Tallest Sunflower Competition

Winners and runners-up in each category will receive prizes, celebrating their contributions to the borough’s aesthetic and ecological landscape.

How to Get Involved

Residents eager to participate can find full details and application forms on the official website at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/InBloom. The council encourages everyone, from seasoned gardeners to enthusiastic novices, to take part in this rewarding initiative.

The Mid and East Antrim in Bloom campaign not only fosters community pride but also aligns with broader environmental goals, such as increasing biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices. By participating, residents can play a pivotal role in making their borough a greener, healthier, and more beautiful place to live.

For those inspired to dig in, now is the time to start planning your garden, container display, or wildlife-friendly project. With free entry and a chance to earn recognition, the 2025 competitions are an unmissable opportunity to showcase your passion for gardening and contribute to a thriving community.