Wreay on show for RHS Britain in Bloom judges

Wreay, south of Carlisle, is a finalist in the Britain in Bloom competition, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society.

It is the nation’s most prestigious horticultural competition, and this year is its 60th iteration.

Pat Geddes, leading the tour, has organised the rejuvenation of the village’s green spaces, including overseeing the construction of seating and a new pump.

She’s the joint leader of the group responsible for Wreay’s efforts, sharing the role with Kath Halfpenny.

Village information post (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

But it’s all thanks to the villagers’ efforts, coming together for a greater cause, that Wreay has accomplished the achievement of reaching the finals in the village category itself.

Ms Geddes said they’ve been working on this for a year, their ‘main thrust’ being sustainability and aiding the environment.

Ms Halfpenny explained the group sought to plant perennials due to their sustainability, eschewing Dutch plants which are more likely to contain harmful neonicotinoids – a type of pesticide.

“We're very precious about what we put in our planters, we try to grow them locally, then they'll survive locally - that's the idea,” she said.

Sadly it was rainy all day, which Ms Geddes thought let them down as the features weren’t looking their best.

Judges and villagers touring Wreay (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

Ms Halfpenny said she’s not concerned about the judgement, and added: “What's been important is the community coming together.

“You can't buy that.”

Judges Mark Wasilewski and Ruth Growner have been all over the country, this week visiting Northern Ireland and the Tyneside before coming to North Cumbria.

Unable to give much away, Mr Wasilewski said of the event that he took in the village’s heritage, highlighting the influence of architect Sarah Losh as we stood in St Mary’s Church which she designed.

“We’re looking at the environment, biodiversity, and horticulture, but we’re also looking at the heritage of the places we’re visiting – we’re certainly seeing flavours of that today.”

Ms Growner said: “I think what's coming across quite strongly is the strength of the community here.”