Thornton in Bloom has officially unveiled its new Brontë Moorland Scene at the corner of where Market Street and Green Mount Rd meet, transforming a once plain patch of greenery into a welcoming space inspired by the Yorkshire moors and Thornton’s Brontë connections.
The project was organised and arranged by Thornton in Bloom following support from Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture and Bradford Council through a “Dress It Up” grant scheme. The idea to regenerate the area originally came from active Thornton in Bloom volunteer Jess Russell, who helped shape the vision for turning the neglected space into something both attractive and meaningful for the village.
Speaking about the project, Thornton in Bloom Chair and former Chair of the Brontë Birthplace (2022 – 2024) Sarah Dixon said:
“We wanted to create something that would brighten this entrance into Thornton whilst also celebrating our moorland landscape and Brontë heritage. This project is to help improve Thornton with better flowers and nature, bring in more wildlife and bring the community together. It’s something for everybody to enjoy and hopefully something that will continue to grow beautifully over the years.”
The new planting includes gorse, heather and moorland grasses, carefully chosen to reflect the landscape so often associated with the Brontë sisters. Some of the plants may take several years to fully establish, but the hope is that the area will continue grow and develop naturally over time.
Thornton in Bloom also thanked everyone who helped support this project, including local councillors Sue Duffy and Bev Mullaney. As well as Graham Swain, Underwoods Recycling for their support, and to Andy Seymour who designed and created the colourful sign that now proudly welcomes visitors to the heart of the village.
Local resident and Brontë Birthplace volunteer Cath Calvert praised the beauty of the project:
“It’s absolutely beautiful. What was once just an unused patch of land has been turned into something really special for the village. It feels welcoming, natural and full of character.”
Cathy Boyden, Chair of the Brontë Birthplace committee added:
“Projects like this show the strength of the community spirt within Thornton. It not only improves the appearance of the village but also creates another meaningful connection to our Brontë heritage for both residences and visitors to enjoy.”
The scene included Jessie Dent portraying Anne Brontë, Anna Gibson (General Manager of the Brontë Birthplace) portraying Emily Brontë and Bev Hughes portraying Charlotte Brontë, helping celebrate Thornton’s literary heritage in a simple and community-focused way.
Visitors are kindly asked to keep to the stone pathways to help protect the young planting as the moorland garden begins to establish itself over the coming years.
Anyone interested in getting involved with Thornton in Bloom or volunteering within the village is warmly encouraged to do so, with community projects continuing throughout the year. Residents and visitors can also look forward to Thornton’s Open Gardens weekend taking place on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th July, celebrating the wonderful gardens, green spaces and community spirit found across the village.
