Wildlife urgently need space in the gardens of Dorset and the launch of Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) Wildlife Friendly Gardening Competition aims to recognise those who make a contribution to wildlife in even the smallest of gardens.
Now in its fifth year, the competition which is sponsored by The Gardens Group, includes recognition for any kind of garden, big or small, which has created a haven for wildlife. Methods to make a garden ‘wildlife friendly’ can include small changes such as planting more flowers to provide food for bees and butterflies, to installing a small pond to create habitats for amphibians such as common frogs, toads and newts.
Competition organiser and Community Conservation Officer for DWT, Joy Wallis said: “Conservationists are increasingly concerned about the decreasing diversity in wildlife around us and fully acknowledge the importance of gardens in providing stepping stones and refuges for much of our wildlife. This competition is not necessarily looking for pristine gardens, but extra credit will be given to how you support wildlife. We would like people to see their garden as the heart of their home, providing a safe place for hundreds of wildlife species to thrive and flourish.”
Categories include the following gardens: patio or small (less than 100 square metres); medium, large, community or school, and best improved garden from last year’s winners. Entrants are encourage to send in photos of their wildlife features, such as a nectar-rich border, bird feeders, pond or bath, native trees, hedge and long grass areas.
Winners will receive a plaque, and there are wildlife-friendly prizes for the runners up and for every school that enters the competition, which have been kindly donated by The Gardens Group.
The closing date for entries is 19thMay 2014 and the award ceremony will be held at Castle Gardens in Sherborne in July, which includes a talk about grass free lawns. Entry forms and guidance notes are available at www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlifegardening or contact Joy Wallis on 01305 264620 or email [email protected] for more information.
