Volunteers at the Swanage Railway in Dorset have won ten awards for floral and neighbourhood excellence in a regional competition, with four of the stations justifiably achieving the highest possible awards.

The South and South East in Bloom organisation awarded each of Swanage, Herston, Harman’s Cross, Corfe Castle, and Norden stations two ‘In Bloom’ awards; one of each station’s awards was an ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ award, which is sponsored by the Royal Horticultural Society.

Gold awards for the South and South East In Bloom went to Harman’s Cross and Norden stations. In the South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Awards, Harman’s Cross received an award in the level five Outstanding category and Norden received an award in the level four Thriving category.

Silver Gilt awards were presented to Herston Halt and Corfe Castle station in the South and South East In Bloom Awards, received a South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award in the level four Thriving category.

Swanage station received a Silver Award in the South and South East In Bloom awards, and a South and South East In Bloom Neighbourhood Award.

Derek Beer from Shaftesbury, in north Dorset, one of the competition judges, commented that the five Swanage Railway stations were flagship entries as they involved horticulture, community involvement, and environmental activity. It was a privilege to be shown around the Swanage Railway stations and meet such incredibly talented and dedicated volunteers.

At Corfe Castle, volunteer station manager David Scott added that they take considerable pride in the restored Victorian station at Corfe Castle, and presenting it to the best of their ability is very important to them. Bob Bunyar, a volunteer at Harman’s Cross station, added that it was very pleasing to receive two awards as the station team put in a tremendous effort this year, with extra watering due to the very dry conditions.

Another railway to win an In Bloom award was the Weardale Railway, which won Gold at Northumbria’s In Bloom awards, whilst earlier this year, Transport for London ran its own In Bloom competition for staff.

“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.”

Mike Brown, Norden station volunteer