Helping nature win with wildlife garden award
DEVONIANS are being encouraged to help local wildlife with the launch of a new gardening initiative which aims to bring more nature into homes, workplaces and schools across the county.
The Wildlife Gardening Award is being led by Devon Wildlife Trust. It is open to the public, to schools, community gardens, businesses and to anyone who has a space which they want to use to attract nature.
The scheme is free to enter. All participants need to do to get an award is to make some positive changes for wildlife on their patch.
Katie Wilkinson is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities Team Leader. She said: “To attract wildlife to your garden, you need to provide the basics of food, water and shelter. Our Wildlife Gardening Award aims to help people achieve this.
“Taking part is simple: we’ve put together a list of nature-friendly things people can do at home, at school or at work. These include measures such leaving an area of your garden to grow wild, or building a log pile, or setting up a hedgehog feeding station. There are lots of choices in the list and all are designed to be inexpensive and achievable.
“To get an award, people need to show that they are doing at least eight of these practical things on their patch.
“In return,” Katie added, “we’ll reward them with one of our coveted Wildlife Garden Award plaques, which they can proudly display at home. They’ll also get a wildlife gardening booklet packed with helpful hints and tips.”
Lou Jones is one Devon resident who has already taken part and gained a Wildlife Garden Award. “I applied for Devon Wildlife Trust’s wildlife garden award to help my garden and hopefully inspire others and because I’m proud to garden for wildlife as well as myself,” she said.
“I garden for wildlife because I can make a tangible, positive difference to nature where I live, plus it’s so rewarding to see lots of fascinating creatures using our bit of outdoor space. You only need to do a few simple things and the wildlife will give your garden life! My garden gives me inspiration and hope in the face of climate change and insect extinction.”
Katie added: “Seeing wildlife outside of your window whether at work, school or home can bring so much joy. But knowing that you created those opportunities for wildlife to visit your patch brings even more pleasure.
“We want our new Wildlife Gardening Award to inspire people to take action and reward them when they do!” For details, please visit www.