idverde celebrates double success at the 2026 BALI National Landscape Awards

idverde is proud to announce a double success at the 2026 British Association of Landscape Industries (BALI) National Landscape Awards, with both Jephson Gardens and Stormont Estate named as National Award winners in the Grounds Maintenance, Free Public Access category.

The two awards recognise the skill, care and commitment of idverde colleagues responsible for maintaining these important public landscapes. Both sites require teams to balance outstanding horticultural standards with heritage conservation, biodiversity, environmental stewardship and the needs of the communities who enjoy them.

Aidan Bell, CEO of idverde UK, said:

“We are immensely proud to receive two BALI National Landscape Awards, particularly in the awards’ 50th anniversary year.

“Jephson Gardens and Stormont Estate are very different landscapes, but both demonstrate what can be achieved through skilled teams, strong client partnerships and a long-term commitment to creating high-quality public spaces for people and nature.

“My congratulations go to everyone whose dedication has made these awards possible.”

Jephson Gardens

Located in Royal Leamington Spa, Jephson Gardens is Warwick District Council’s flagship park and one of the area’s best-known Victorian green spaces. idverde has maintained the gardens in partnership with the Council since 2013.

The team’s work includes the care of formal lawns, seasonal and herbaceous planting, hedges, the riverbank, lake and reed beds. It also encompasses distinctive features including the Sensory Garden, memorial planting, fountains and the park’s glasshouse.

Responsible land management practices are embedded throughout the maintenance programme, including peat-free seasonal bedding, meadow management and the sensitive care of habitats around the lake. The team also supports community activities such as public plant giveaways and horticultural sessions for people with special educational needs.

Jephson Gardens has a long-standing record of achieving both Green Flag and Green Heritage Site Accreditation, reflecting the consistently high standards delivered by Warwick District Council and idverde.

Councillor Will Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood at Warwick District Council added:

“We are delighted that the idverde team in Warwick has been recognised for this national award, which celebrates the care, expertise and pride that goes into caring for and maintaining Jephson Gardens.

“This latest award recognises the skill and dedication of the idverde team and is a fitting tribute to a successful partnership to keep these unique and historic gardens as a special place for everyone to enjoy.”

Stormont Estate

Stormont Estate is one of Northern Ireland’s most prominent and historically important public landscapes. idverde’s team delivers a comprehensive grounds maintenance service across the estate, including grass cutting, shrub and hedge care, tree works, drainage, pond maintenance, litter management and responsive health and safety support.

Biodiversity is central to the approach. Wildflower areas, mosaic grass cutting, a bee bank, and wildlife cameras help create and monitor habitats across the estate. Through idverde’s partnership with RSPB, volunteers also undertake floral and invertebrate surveys, gathering valuable evidence to inform future maintenance and planting decisions.

The team has also introduced robotic mowers, battery-operated equipment and digital tool tracking, helping to improve efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of day-to-day operations. Volunteering, educational activities, work placements and employment pathways further extend the contract’s positive impact.

Saul Huxley, Organic Development Director at idverde, said:

“These awards reflect the knowledge, care and consistency our teams bring to Jephson Gardens and Stormont Estate throughout the year. Excellent horticulture sits alongside biodiversity improvement, innovation, community involvement and the sensitive stewardship of two highly valued historic landscapes. “This recognition belongs to our colleagues and to the clients, partners and volunteers who work alongside them.”

BALI Chief Executive Wayne Grills said:

“These winners represent not just outstanding projects, but the people, partnerships and businesses behind them.”

The awards hold additional significance in 2026 as the BALI National Landscape Awards celebrate their 50th anniversary. The National Award winners will now progress to the ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel in London on 4 December, where the Principal Awards, Special Awards and Grand Award will be announced.

The double win builds on idverde’s proud history of recognition at the BALI Awards and reinforces its commitment to creating and maintaining outstanding green spaces for people, communities and nature.

idverde extends its thanks and congratulations to the teams, clients, partners and volunteers whose hard work made these awards possible.

The full list of 2026 National Award winners is available on the BALI Awards website.