Benfieldside Community Garden Achieves RHS Level 5 - OUTSTANDING at Northumbria in Bloom 2026
We’re delighted to share that our Benfieldside Community Garden has achieved Level 5 “Outstanding” in the Royal Horticultural Society Neighbourhood” awards, receiving an impressive 90 out of 100 points.
Community Engagement- 38 out of 40
The garden was scored 38 out of 40 for Community Participation, recognising its positive contribution to the local community. It provides an inclusive space where local people can come together, learn new skills, contribute to their community and enjoy a shared green space. The award also recognised the involvement of local people in the development of the garden, strong community partnerships and our plans for its continued growth and development.
Environmental Responsibility 26 out of 40
For Environmental Responsibility, the garden was scored 26 out of 30, recognising the work taking place to create, maintain and improve this local green space. Through conservation, composting, recycling and sharing knowledge and skills, the garden provides opportunities for people to learn more about the environment while making a positive difference to their surroundings.
Gardening Achievement 26 out of 30
For Gardening Achievement, the garden was scored 26 out of 30, recognising the team’s commitment to creating and maintaining a welcoming and well managed green space. The assessment highlighted the thoughtful choice of plants, good gardening practices and the creativity involved in developing the garden, as well as the work carried out to overcome challenges and enhance the local area through gardening.
Thank you!
We’re incredibly proud of this achievement and would like to thank everyone who has contributed to the garden, including our volunteers, local residents, schools, community groups and partners. The Level 5 assessment reflects the work that has gone into developing the garden and making it a welcoming space for everyone in the local community. We look forward to continuing to develop the garden and building on what has already been achieved.
Wellbeing / July 13th, 2026
Environmental / July 13th, 2026
Social Impact of Benfieldside Community Garden
As part of our grant reporting process, we have to provide evidence of the impact of our work. Please see below, where the Headteacher of Benfieldside Primary School has outlined the variety of ways having access to Benfieldside Community Garden as a communty space has had a positive impact on the children and the staff of the school.
Environmental / October 16th, 2025
North Shields, Coastal Research and Sustainability Project
Take a look at the fabulous work of Year 5 and Year 6 of Christchurch Primary school, North Shields. They loved learning about the sea, the environment and they devised some fabulous ideas about how we can all work together to 'Save our Seas' in their very own Marine Manifest.
Wellbeing / July 15th, 2022
Heritage / July 15th, 2022
North Shields Fish Quay Community Heritage Project | Christ Church C of E Primary School
During the summer term of 2022, we were thrilled to deliver our Heritage Programme to the children of Christ Church C of E Primary School. During this programme, the children researched the way that North Shields Fish Quay, and the local fishing industry, has shaped the lives of local people over hundreds of years.