The Putney Society has been recognised with an Outstanding rating in the Royal Horticultural Society’s “It’s Your Neighbourhood” awards, part of the annual London in Bloom programme celebrating community efforts to improve local environments.
The award, presented at this week’s London in Bloom ceremony, is the highest possible level within the RHS scheme – reflecting exceptional community participation, environmental responsibility, and gardening achievement.
“It’s Your Neighbourhood” is a non-competitive programme designed to encourage residents, volunteers, and community groups to take pride in their local areas. Projects are assessed on three key criteria:
- Community participation (40%) — bringing people together to improve their surroundings;
- Environmental responsibility (30%) — caring for the local environment and using sustainable practices;
- Gardening achievement (30%) — maintaining and enhancing green spaces through good horticultural practice.
Groups are rated on a five-point scale, from Establishing to Outstanding. The Putney Society achieved the top Level 5 ranking, marking a benchmark score of 86–100 out of 100 and recognising sustained excellence over time.
The accolade reflects years of hands-on community work by Society volunteers, particularly Open Spaces convenor Judith Chegwidden, to enhance Putney’s public spaces, conserve local heritage, and encourage greener urban living.
The “It’s Your Neighbourhood” scheme is run by London in Bloom on behalf of the RHS Britain in Bloom campaign. Groups that reach the Outstanding level for three consecutive years can go on to receive a National Certificate of Distinction.
