Volunteers who care for Alresford railway station have been recognised at the Royal Horticultural Society Community Awards 2025 for their work transforming the station into a vibrant green space.

The awards, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), celebrate community gardening projects that positively impact people, places and wildlife across the UK.

The Alresford station adoption team received two Silver Gilt Awards. Station adopter Cherry Watson won in the Gardening for Wildlife category for her efforts to support biodiversity and create habitats that encourage wildlife and sustainable gardening.

A second Silver Gilt Award recognised the whole volunteer group for their “200 years of rail travel” floral displays, marking the bicentenary of the modern railway in Britain.

For many years, volunteers at Alresford railway station have worked to create welcoming gardens for passengers and the local community. The site now features wild planting areas, insect houses, dead hedging for wildlife, a secret garden and a popular fairy house display.

Many elements of the gardens have been created with help from local schoolchildren, inspiring younger generations to learn about gardening, wildlife and caring for their environment.

“All the Alresford station adopters and other volunteers were absolutely delighted to receive these awards. We are very proud of the welcoming and attractive community space we have created with the station gardens, and it is lovely to have our hard work recognised in this way.”

Frank Belgrove, station adopter.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Alresford station adoption team has been recognised at the RHS Community Awards. This is thoroughly deserved and reflects the passion, creativity and commitment the volunteers bring to the station year after year.

“On behalf of Greater Anglia, I would like to thank them for the incredible voluntary work they do in creating such a welcoming, inspiring and wildlife-friendly environment for customers and the wider community.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, congratulated the team on their achievement.