City lands gold in European environmental competition

“The Entente Florale competition included diverse parts of the city on its route but on judging day there was a great exhibition of volunteer gardeners from across the city. Amongst those representing Bristol in the M Shed were groups from Hartcliffe, Snuff Mills, St George, Westbury-on-Trym and Troopers Hill plus a great nursery school garden and a group of lady pensioner gardeners from an elderly persons home. The European judges were jealous of our volunteer groups and our history of volunteering in Bristol and regretted having to leave the M Shed for their next venue. Well done to all involved in the M Shed Exhibition.”

“Well done Bristol "for excellence in horticultural displays". I'm not sure the criteria for the judging but any award is positive. I note Sunderland won it in 2001 so we are now on a par with Sunderland!”

“Here is the judges written feedback(unedited). _ Makes you proud of Bristol when you see what others think of us. (Cllr. Gary Hopkins)

ENTENTE FLORALE JURY REPORT - BRISTOL (Page 1)

The judging of Bristol took place on 31 July 2012. The purpose of this report, is not necessarily to highlight all that was good, (although an overview is offerd), but rather to suggest areas where improvement could still be made. This does not detract from the high standards achieved by Bristol overall.

The planned development approach was well covered and explained in presentations and documentation. The jury appreciated the planning talk given at the beginning of the tour, the green dimensions of development, and the strategic vision of the city were well explained. Throughout the tour, examples were also noted of action plans by voluntary bodies and co-operation between the public and voluntary sector. Particular note was made of the setting up and relationship of Bristol in Bloom with the city, a first class initiative.

Concerning actions taken to conserve the Natural Environment, excellent examples were demonstrated through the tour of complete commitment. The "Create" centre must be highlighted as a superb facility and the Local Authority's policies and actions demonstrated throughout clear results of the vision becoming reality. Superb!

Concerning the Built Environment, the Jury were impressed by the care, conservation and maintenance of buildings throughout the city, from historic to new build. Putting historic buildings such as the tobacco warehouses to new uses, was applauded. For new build excellence, particular note must be made of the Central Business District, and much of the new development along the Floating Harbour. However, some concern was expressed over he latest developments at the harbour where building design and spacial arrangement of new department blocks could be queried when seen in context with the rest of the harbour. Care needs to be taken that standards are not allowed to drop. The policy of putting new car parking underground was also applauded, and when possible a high priority needs to be given to the unsightly existing multi-storey car parks which detract in he overall cityscape.

Cleanliness through the city was excellent, at least, everywhere the jury went. The view as expressed it was a shame the jury were not able to walk down the main shopping centre - they hoped that the high standards they had seen were demonstrated everywhere else?

Concerning the Landscape, geographically this was well explained, and the huge amount of green space, countryside corridors, and natural parkland in the city was practically demonstrated during the tour and by the unique map in the "M Shed". Facilities like the Downs and Ashton Court are superb, and nature conservation, the protection of biodiversity very ably demonstrated.

For open green spaces, the jury were amazed by the huge number, and size or parks. Their management was of the highest order, the city is so fortunate to have such a heritage. The jury were however disappointed not to see some examples of children's play provision whilst on the tour.

Concerning permanent plantings, again the City has a wonderful heritage of trees, and particular note was made of the very high standards of maintenance. A full professional approach was ably demonstrated. Concerning the use of perennials, whilst some were seen in some public areas, the jury felt more use could be made of these type of plantings where appropriate.

Concerning seasonal plantings, these were excellent particularly in the city centre and College Green. Flower colour and form combinations were particularly well demonstrated and considering the poor summer, quality was high.”

“@FromMendip

Possibly because this comes way way way way way down on the list of priorities for the majority of people in Bristol?”

“Here is the judges written feedback(unedited). _ Makes you proud of Bristol when you see what others think of us. (Cllr. Gary Hopkins)

ENTENTE FLORAL JURY REPORT - BRISTOL (2nd part of report continued)

Concerning environmental education, this was a highlight of the tour, whether in the Create Centre encouraging ways to reduce energy, on the Downs studying flora and faunca, or in the Parks, enjoying the natural environment or in the Botanical Gardens, ample proof was given that the whole population take their green environment seriously. This was so ably demonstrated that it was not even necessary to visit a school. Very well done ineed.

Concerning effort and involvement, it is clear that all three sectors, the public, private and voluntary sectors are fully supportive and committed. It was good to meet the community groups demonstrating that particularly at "grass roots" level, the public are involved.

Concerning tourism the jury appreciated the presentation provided, and noted the professional approach adopted to this important economc activity. The strong link between the city's environment and tourism was ably demonstated. The jury particularly liked the signage system around the city for visitors, and the SS Great Britain and the M Shed were highlights. However with such a high profile on tourism, the jury were slightly alarmed to note that the Tourist Office itself had no sign to publicise its presence to the "passer by".

Presentation was excellent across the board, clearly this take a high priority to involve the general public and the press, in environmental and "Bloom" activities. Concerning the presentation to the jury, particular note must be made of the excellent portfolio, and guide book provided. Besides a small hiccup at the beginning of the tour over time, the whole tour was also very professionally planned and executed.

As stated at the begnning of this report, its purpose is to give a general overview and suggest improvements. Suggesting improvements has not been easy to do, because of the very high standards demonstrated as the judging proceeded. As a result the jury have no hesitation in awarding Bristol a GOLD AWARD !! Very many congratulations to all concerned and it is really appreciated that so many people worked so hard to finish with the result. Well done indeed!

A wonderful result for a very special city.”

“Funny how we all reach for the keyboard to criticise the city daily but when it achieves something positive and noteworthy no-one says anything.

Well done to all concerned. It might not mean that much to Bristolians and to the UK in general but it means much more to mainland Europeans so Bristol's profile rises in their eyes because of this.”