The council's horticultural achievements were highlighted by a bumper crop of awards, with Merstham Recreation Ground receiving a Gold award and also being crowned the Winner of the Large Park category. Judges praised the park's 'innovative' sport and play facilities and its 'fantastic' parkour area, describing it as 'a joyful space and one which deserves to be celebrated'.
Further Gold awards were presented to Priory Park in Reigate and Redhill Memorial Park. Local country parks Earlswood Common and Tanyard Meadow also received Gold awards, while Reigate Heath was recognised with Gold in the conservation area category.
Redstone Cemetery in Redhill achieved the council's second-highest score, earning a Gold award in the large cemetery category. The gardening team was commended for balancing burial site provision with 'sensitive and informed understanding of habitat creation and encouraging wildlife'.
“"I am so proud of our success in the 2026 South & South East in Bloom Awards, which is testament to the hard work of our dedicated Greenspaces team, as well as our amazing volunteers."
Cllr Nadean Moses, Executive Member for Greenspaces and Sustainability, expressed pride in the team's efforts and highlighted the investment in Merstham Recreation Ground's refurbishment. She emphasised the council's responsibility to balance community spaces with habitat protection and enhancement, stating that the numerous gold awards indicate they are 'on the right track'.
In addition to the Gold awards, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council also received Silver Gilt awards for Reigate Castle Grounds and Reigate Garden of Remembrance, and a Silver award for Lady Neville Recreation Ground in Banstead.
