Barnsley has been putting its best floral foot forward to welcome judges from RHS Yorkshire in Bloom, with volunteers and parks staff proudly presenting some of the borough’s most stunning and diverse green spaces.

Parks, gardens and green spaces have been paid a visit by judges throughout July as part of the regional contest to celebrate the best parks, gardens and green spaces in Yorkshire.

Locations showcased in Barnsley include Cannon Hall, Monk Bretton Priory and Wilthorpe, Elsecar, and Wombwell Parks, each of which are kept looking their best by council parks staff and volunteers.

Judges also visited the following:

• Owd Martha's Yard in Hoyland, a community garden full of colourful displays and creative features.
• Carlton Marsh, the stunning wetland reserve between Cudworth and Carlton.
• Goldthorpe Railway Embankment, a former railway cutting transformed into a green haven at the heart of the Dearne Valley.
• Birkwood Primary School in Cudworth, where children proudly showed the Yorkshire in Bloom judge around their allotment garden and school grounds.
• Barnsley Hospice, whose gardens offer a peaceful floral haven for patients and their families.
• The Barnsley Main site, where wildflowers frame the evocative former pithead.
• Royston Wells, which is maintained by the Royston Green Spaces Group

Cllr James Higginbottom, cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “I am delighted that we have been able to showcase some of our wonderful parks and green spaces for the Yorkshire in Bloom judging.

“I am very proud of the hard work and dedication of our parks staff and volunteers, who make Barnsley a more beautiful and enjoyable place to live, work and visit.

“I would encourage everyone to explore what our parks and green spaces have to offer, as they are not only good for our physical and mental health, but also for our environment and community.”

Barnsley has a rich and varied range of parks and green spaces, from historic country parks to havens just off the high street, from nature reserves to community gardens.

To find out more, visit www.barnsley.gov.uk/services/parks-and-green-spaces/.

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