Wonderful Achievement as Bridge Inn Community Farm Wins Large Gold at Southport Flower Show

A Formby community farm which provides opportunities and vocational training for people with learning disabilities is celebrating a fantastic achievement at the 2026 Southport Flower Show.

Bridge Inn Community Farm, based on Moss Side in Formby, has been awarded a prestigious Large Gold for its spectacular display, The Hidden Oasis.

The achievement is particularly special because the Moroccan inspired courtyard garden was created in collaboration with students from the farm, who played an active role in its design and creation.

Bridge Inn Community Farm provides individualised opportunities for people with learning disabilities, with activities including horticulture, conservation, agriculture, plant and vegetable cultivation and animal care.

The farm gives those attending the opportunity to develop practical and vocational skills in a genuine working environment, making the success at one of the country’s best known flower shows a wonderful recognition of what its students are capable of achieving.

The Hidden Oasis

This year’s award winning creation, The Hidden Oasis, is a Moroccan courtyard garden designed as a peaceful and welcoming sanctuary.

Strong architectural lines, arches, decorative screens and tiled edges provide the structure, while ferns, fatsias, herbs and flowering plants create layers of greenery, texture and colour.

Water provides a calming focal point, while comfortable seating encourages people to sit, talk, read or simply enjoy some quiet time.

Importantly, inclusivity is at the heart of the garden.

Students helped to build, paint and create the display, with their own ideas and creativity helping to shape the finished garden.

The result is a space designed to encourage sensory exploration, social connection and calm reflection while providing an accessible and nurturing environment for everyone to enjoy.

After receiving the Large Gold award, the team said they were incredibly proud of their 2026 Southport Flower Show garden.

The award is not only recognition of a beautiful garden, but of the hard work, creativity and abilities of the students who helped bring it to life.

A truly wonderful achievement for Bridge Inn Community Farm and another reason for Formby to be incredibly proud.

Huge congratulations to all of the students, staff and everyone involved in creating The Hidden Oasis.