Uckfield Town Council is delighted to announce the winners of this year’s Allotment Competition, and Town-Wide Scarecrow Competition, both of which shone a light on the creativity, dedication, and community spirit of local residents.
The Allotment Competition, once again kindly sponsored by Stavertons Nursery, took place in early July, with the winners announced at the Allotment Conference on Wednesday 10 September.
Our judging panel was hugely impressed by the dedication, creativity, and community spirit shown across all six allotment sites.
Tenants competed in six categories: Best Kept, Ecological Award, Children’s Award, Most Improved, Best Newcomer, and the prestigious Overall Winner.
The Children’s Award went to Leon Szymanska (RW2B), who wowed the judges with a cheerful plot featuring sunflowers, a tomato plant, and strawberries.
Six plots were recognised for their excellent maintenance and productivity. Marks were awarded out of 350 for several factors at each site.
Caroline Bunker (FRE127 & FRE128A) – 315/350
Chris Scraba (FRW3B & FRW4A) – 303/350
Dragos Cismas (BIE5 & BIE6) – 230/350
Amy Graves & Claire Harrison (RW21C) – 283/350
Louise Tennant (WP5A) – 250/350
Tom & Rebecca Merchant (BL39) – 255/350
The Ecological Award went to Phil Manning (FRE47), whose plot demonstrated sustainable practices that encouraged biodiversity.
The coveted Overall Winner’s Shield was awarded to Caroline Bunker (FRE127 & FRE128A). Caroline’s plot stood out for its high scores and outstanding presentation, earning her the top prize and recognition as Uckfield’s leading allotment holder for 2025.
Recognising effort and progress, the following tenants each received a certificate for being the most improved plot on their site:
Heather Berry (FRE43B)
Alex Harold (FRW4B)
Liz West (BIE11)
Ian Scutt (RW26B & RW26F)
Will Humphries (WP11A & WP11B)
Vic Oliver (BL43A)
The judges also celebrated new allotment tenants who have made a brilliant start on their new plots this year:
Zacc & Bridget Kauma (FRE121)
Michael Prendergast (FRW13A)
Rebecca Lee & Buzz Page (BIE10)
Alisa Szymanska (RW2B)
Sarah Brown (WP7)
Stephen West (BL38)
In collaboration with Manor Park & Hempstead Fields Residents’ Association, this year’s Scarecrow Competition brought fun and imagination to Uckfield’s gardens and community spaces.
Children’s Award
Georgia, Jacob (8), and Mum (Lealands Drive) – with their brilliant “LEGOMAN scarecrow”.
Business Competition Winner
Uckfield Community Fridge (The Source) – with “Mary Poppins” (cleverly titled “Pop-in” and see us).
Household Competition Winner
Wendy Tagg (Manor Park) – for “Lady Tatty Flower”, a floral scarecrow who drifts around the garden gathering herbs and seed heads.
Overall Winner
Carole Walden (Manor Park) – for her traditional handmade scarecrow “Rag Bag”. Made with recycled materials and topped with an old Morris dancing hat, Rag Bag won the hearts of the judges.
Uckfield Town Council’s Environment and Leisure Clerk, Rachel Newton, said: ““Both the allotment and scarecrow competitions showcase the wonderful community we have here in Uckfield. From thriving plots to imaginative creations, it’s inspiring to see residents of all ages getting involved. Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who took part.”
Certificates, vouchers, and prizes have been posted to anyone unable to attend the presentation evening.
Uckfield Town Council would like to thank Stavertons Nursery for their sponsorship of the Allotment Competition and all who contributed to making both competitions such a success.
Responsive site designed and developed by
