Schools Gardening and Environmental Awards 2026

Most children love messing about in gardens. This assessment encourages schools to show how gardening benefits children’s learning with prizes awarded for the best.

This award is open to all schools throughout the County.

There are awards for schools who, under their own initiative or in conjunction with “In Bloom” groups can develop projects that meet one or more of the categories listed below.

1. Edible gardening – fruit, vegetable and herb production
2. Decorative features – trees, shrubs, containers, sensory and quiet garden
3 Environmental – soil quality, water, plant types, wildlife impact, bees, birds etc
4. Woodland Features on school premises and/or regular visits to woodland area for learning e.g. Forest Schools.

The RHS Campaign for School Gardening also has a website. Check it out and discover how the campaign can support your school, with downloadable teaching resources and gardening ideas.

Who can enter?

This award is open to all schools throughout the County.

How does it work?

As this award forms part of the Cumbria in Bloom campaign there must be clear evidence of the school’s contributing towards:

Quality of garden features
Enriching and widening the curriculum
Working with the local community
Caring for the environment

What do the assessors look for?

The assessors should be shown a display of the project work, or booklet to show preparation and design and any ongoing involvement to support to sustain their project.

As an example, the following project types could be included. The young people within the schools should be encouraged to think of other appropriate ways to contribute.