Known locally as the “Orange Army” thanks to our bright matching T-shirts, you’ll regularly spot us around Ilfracombe tackling overgrown hedges, clearing weeds, and helping keep our town looking its best. What began as a small idea, with just a handful of volunteers meeting up occasionally, has grown into a dedicated and much-loved community group.

Today, we have more than 20 enthusiastic volunteers who give their time every Sunday from 10am–12pm (weather permitting). The team spirit amongst the group is incredible, and the encouragement and appreciation we receive from the local community continues to inspire and motivate us every week.

As our group has grown, so too has the range of projects we support. Alongside our regular gardening and maintenance work, we have also worked closely with Ilfracombe Town Council, lending a hand with painting and sprucing up areas as part of the High Street regeneration programme.

More than anything, Ilfracombe in Bloom has become a network of friends brought together by a shared passion for improving our town. Through teamwork, community spirit, and pride in where we live, we continue to make a positive difference — one project at a time.

Back in 2025, we were sadly asked to leave our old field. Rather than let this setback stop us, we remained determined to continue growing and supporting our community. Thankfully, we were fortunate enough to find a new home at Bloomfields, where we have been able to begin creating a space that truly reflects the heart and spirit of Ilfracombe in Bloom.

Since moving to Bloomfields, we have worked tirelessly to transform the area into a thriving, sustainable growing space for the whole community. We successfully applied for funding for a new potting shed, providing an essential base for planting, propagation, and volunteer activities. Through fundraising and the incredible support of the local community, we were also able to install a polytunnel, allowing us to continue growing the plants that brighten our high street throughout the year.

Our vision goes far beyond flowers alone. We are developing our own composting centre to create a more self-sustaining and environmentally friendly space, reducing waste while nurturing future growth. Every project we undertake is focused on building a greener, more welcoming environment that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Looking ahead, we hope to continue expanding Bloomfields into a place where local groups, schools, volunteers, and residents can come together to learn, share skills, and connect with nature. Our aim is to create an inclusive and inspiring community space that will benefit both current and future generations — a place where people of all ages can grow, learn, and flourish together.