ALTON In Bloom has been re-imagined for 2022 – with everyone in the town encouraged to ‘do one thing’ for nature and the climate.

Alton Town Council’s community committee said the traditional format of the annual In Bloom gardening competition had become dated.

Instead, the council’s new stance on climate change and environmental issues has prompted a rethink.

The new concept asks all residents to sign up and undertake one action to help the environment.

Suggestions include creating a ‘re-wilding’ area to restore ecosystems so nature can take care of itself. This could be in the garden or a nearby communal area.

Residents could also try growing ‘Incredible Edibles’ such as fruit and vegetables in tubs or creating an allotment in the garden.

Or gardeners could make their gardens more wildlife-friendly, perhaps by planting extra pollinators for bees, making a hedgehog habitat, or installing a bird box.

Alton town clerk, Leah Clerk, said: “We wanted to make a change to encourage a more environmental and sustainable angle which motivates everyone to get involved, no matter where you live.”

Councillor Ginny Boxall, chairman of the council’s community committee, said: “We declared a climate emergency as a town council, and we all need to make small changes individually where we can.

“Growing our own food and growing bee friendly plants are just some of the ways we can all do our bit.”

To find out more information, advice or to sign-up, visit the website [email protected]