Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT’s) annual wildlife gardening competition, sponsored by The Gardens Group, is open for entries from 1st April 2018.
The competition is for those who garden with wildlife in mind and create havens for wildlife on their doorstep.
Now in its ninth year, the popular competition is free to enter and is suitable for private gardeners, schools, housing associations, community groups and also for those in rented properties. This year, there is a new ‘innovation’ award, for gardeners using creative ways to create homes for wildlife such as using upcycled materials.
DWT’s Community Conservation Officer, Katie Wilkinson said, “This competition is for anyone who has wildlife friendly features in their garden, such as a pond or a mini wildflower meadow. You don’t have to be an expert. The judges who come to visit the entrants will also give tips and advice on wildlife friendly gardening if you’re just starting out. More than ever, our wildlife is dependant on gardens to provide food and shelter, so what we do in our gardens is really important.”
Mike Burks, managing director of The Gardens Group, said, “Wildlife friendly gardening has really grown in popularity over the years, as people become more aware of their impact on the environment and wildlife. Every year we are hugely impressed and inspired by gardeners across Dorset, who are creating beautiful wildlife havens in their gardens, no matter how big or small. This competition is not just for gardening experts, so we would like to encourage anyone who is trying to create a welcoming environment for wildlife to enter, whether in their gardens or out in the wider community.”
Wildlife friendly features in the garden include ponds, bug hotels, and bird boxes.
The closing date for applications is Friday 25th May 2018 and judging will start in June. Everyone who takes part in the competition will receive a DWT wildlife friendly garden plaque and will be invited to the prize-giving ceremony at The Gardens Groups’ Castle Gardens in Sherborne in July. Prizes will include wildlife garden products, gardening books, vouchers and a winners’ plaque.
Apply online at www.dorsetwidlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife_gardening_competition to complete the online form and send us your photos.