Volunteers who maintain the floral displays on the Swanage Railway station platforms have received well deserved recognition by the Royal Horticultural Society for their impressive work and are now looking forward to another summer of success.
As part of the Britain in Bloom competition, Swanage Railway in Dorset picked up ten awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in 2025 despite the very dry summer and could do even better in 2026 with more favourable growing conditions.
The results are in and Swanage Railway voluteers celebrate picking up 10 awards
“Incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers”
Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden stations each received two Stations In Bloom awards from the South and South East in Bloom organisation, with one of the It’s Your Neighbourhood awards for each station being sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) founded in 1804.
Other awards went to local councils and communities for large towns, cemeteries, gardens, beach fronts and community projects across the country.
One of the competition judges, Derek Beer from Shaftesbury in North Dorset, said:
“The five Swanage Railway stations were flagship entries – involving horticulture, community involvement and environmental activity. Four of the stations justifiably achieved the highest possible awards.
“Having the privilege of being shown around the Swanage Railway stations, and meeting such incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers, I am so grateful for the opportunity and cannot wait to meet them all again for the competition in 2026.”
Competition judge Derek Beer (right) inspected the stations including Corfe Castle during summer 2025
Britain in Bloom awards
- Swanage station: South and South East In Bloom Silver Award and the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award
- Herston community halt: South and South East In Bloom Silver Gilt Award and the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category
- Harman’s Cross station: South and South East In Bloom Gold Award, and the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award in the level five outstanding category
- Corfe Castle station: South and South East In Bloom Silver Gilt Award, and the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category
- Norden station: South and South East In Bloom Gold Award, and the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category
South and South East In Bloom Gold Award winners at Harman’s Cross
Another Gold for Norden station
“First impressions count”
Norden station volunteer Mike Brown said:
“The friendly Norden station maintenance and gardening team was surprised, and honoured, to receive the Gold and Thriving awards.
“We take great pride in caring for Norden station – which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 – because first impressions count and we try to support the environment and biodiversity by encouraging native flora and fauna.
“We could not have achieved these awards without the hard work and support from the various teams at Norden. The certificates now hang with pride in our station waiting room at Norden along with other certificates.”
Volunteer Corfe Castle station manager David Scott explained:
“We take considerable pride in the restored Victorian station at Corfe Castle so presenting it to the best of our ability is very important to us.”
Plenty of pots to water at Harman’s Cross…
…and at Corfe Castle
“Extra watering due to the very dry conditions”
Bob Bunyar, one of the volunteers who help maintain and develop Harman’s Cross station said:
“It was very pleasing to receive two awards as the station team, particularly the gardeners, have put in a tremendous effort this year, especially doing extra watering due to the very dry conditions which were challenging.
“The Harman’s Cross station team is very dedicated and want to make the station look its best for our passengers – not only with its gardens but also like to use artifacts to enhance the feel of times gone by such as using old wheelbarrows, luggage trunks and the like for displays.”
Beautiful roses at Herston community halt
“Very hot summer”
Herston community halt volunteer Frank Roberts said:
“The Herston Halt team was delighted to receive the award after what was a very hot summer.
“With Herston Halt being the smallest station on the Swanage Railway, our success this year recognises the effort of many dedicated members in the team, especially Marilyn Carter and Carol Wright who sadly lost her husband Pete in 2024.
“Pete was a regular Herston Halt volunteer for more than twenty years and we keep the station looking good in his memory.”
Further information
- More about volunteering at Swanage Railway
