Cumbria in Bloom are supporting their Key Sponsors United Utilities to mark World Water Day (Friday March 22) by encouraging gardeners to conserve our natural resources and maintain a blooming, successful garden.
United Utilities is responsible for water and wastewater services in the North West of England and to provide great water to the North West.
The company delivers 1.8 billion litres of water a day to more than 3 million homes and businesses in the North West, as well as treating all the wastewater which disappears around the U-bend.
Cumbria in Bloom is aiming to help everyone do their bit with advice throughout the week on how to make the most of the water we have, when caring for our plants. There is also information about water saving products from Amberol, and Hayes Garden World also sponsors of Cumbria in Bloom.
Chair of Cumbria in Bloom, Ronnie Auld said: “We have great examples of how we can reduce the amount of water we use from our taps when caring for our gardens. And one of the best examples is our Cumbria in Bloom Gold award-winning community gardeners in Irthington.
“Irthington Village went on to receive a Silver Gilt in the Britain in Bloom awards and their leading gardener Danny Poland, receive the RHS Young Community Champion award. The water cart Danny used ensured all the flower beds, pots and baskets were kept sustainably watered, and this was a wonderful example of how to care for plants without resorting to hose pipes which use and lose a great amount of water.”
During the summer drought, Danny delivered between 150 and 200 litres of rainwater per day around his village, using a water cart attached to his bicycle, to ensure all the plants in the village were watered.
The United Nations World Water Day, held on 22 March every year since 1993, focuses on the importance of freshwater.
Ronnie added: “To mark World Water Day and support our Key Sponsors in their work to cherish our natural water resources, we are using our social media to provide daily water-saving advice for gardeners throughout next week and United Utilities offer lots of advice and FREE water-saving gadgets, if you simply go to www.unitedutilities.com/help-and-support/save-water/
“World Water Day is the perfect time to look at what we can do to minimise the amount of water we are using and to take often small actions to improve the way we garden.
“We are calling on gardeners to swap mains water for rainwater as one easy and effective action.
“While plants are known to be beneficial for health, wellbeing and the environment, making small changes can also help save water and reduce surface runoff and flood risk, promote healthier soils that store more carbon, and create stronger, more climate-resilient gardens.
“Through our annual Cumbria in Bloom awards, one thread applies to them all and that is biodiversity. Cumbria in Bloom intends to do more than just pay lip service to the seriousness of species and habitat loss. Our Biodiversity Award marking will take into account water conservation and water use.”
United Utilities is Cumbria in Blooms’ Key Sponsor. The charity, run by volunteers is also supported by: Amberol, Windermere Lake Cruises, Out of Eden, Cumberland Building Society, Lake District National Park, English Lakes Hotels, Ullswater Steamers, Rickerby Ltd, Hayes Garden World, Cumbria Tourism, Serious Waste Management, Lake District Estates Co. Ltd, AW Jenkinson, Friends of the Lake District, High Spirits Leisure Group, Booths, Ambleside Salutation Hotel & Spa and Hope Park Games and Cafe.
More information about becoming a Friend of Cumbria in Bloom, bespoke sponsorship packages and entry information about Cumbria in Bloom 2023 is available on the Cumbria in Bloom website www.cumbria-in-bloom.org.uk
