Wildlife Friendly Garden Competition 2011

Dorset’s Wildlife Friendly Garden Competition is set to continue for a second year,
following the resounding response from gardeners, says Dorset Wildlife Trust. Sponsored by The Gardens Group, the competition aims to recognise the important contribution gardeners are making to the conservation of the county’s wildlife, even in the smallest spaces.

Joy Wallis, Community Conservation Officer at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said: “You don’t need a huge garden with full scale habitats to qualify. We are just as interested in what those of you with small gardens are able to do for wildlife. Remember, our native birds and insects do not see your garden in isolation but as part of a patchwork of habitats within the landscape.”
 

Even a small pallet or balcony can accommodate 13 mini habitats!

Anyone who is put off wildlife gardening because they only have a balcony or patio should think
again, according to Joy; last season she set up a tiny portable garden on a pallet, squeezing in 13 mini habitats and even attracting bees, hoverflies and beetles in the short time it was up at shows and events across the county.

This year’s garden categories are: Patio or Small (less than 100 square metres); Medium ­ Large; Large; Community or School; and Best Improved Garden for last year’s winners. Entrants are encouraged 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 area.

The closing date for entries is 9th May and judging will take place from May to June. Prizes will be presented an Award Ceremony at Poundbury Garden Centre, Dorchester on 14th July 2011 with a guest speaker and a chance to see photos of all the winning gardens.

For wildlife gardening ideas and to enter the competition, Click here or ring 01305 264620.




For more information please contact Joy Wallis at Dorset Wildlife Trust on 01305 264620.
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Wildlife Friendly garden features could include:

• Wildlife Pond
• Bog or permanently wet area
• Bird bath
• Bird Box
• Wild flower meadow
• Long grass area
• Nectar rich flower border and bushes
• Mixed Native Hedge
• Mature native tree
• Log pile and/or substantial decaying tree stump
• Compost heap
• No-go area
• Climbing plants/trellises suitable for nesting and feeding
• Slug pellet free

About Dorset Wildlife Trust Click here
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.
Blog /wildlife-matters-blog.html

About The Gardens Group Click here
The three Garden Centres that make up The Gardens Group are situated at; Castle Gardens in Sherborne, Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil and Poundbury Gardens in Dorchester.
Castle Gardens is situated in the grounds of the kitchen gardens of Sherborne Castle. Mike and Louise Burks set up a garden centre on the site in 1987. When they arrived it was badly overgrown and derelict. The business soon developed on the basis of high quality plants and horticultural expertise backed up by excellent customer service.

In 1992 Brimsmore Gardens in Yeovil opened within the Fruit Farm alongside the Farm Shop. The site has developed over the years with the inclusion of the Apple Tree Restaurant and Farm Shop with a strong focus on local produce and homemade food.
A third garden centre opened in March 2006. Set in redundant Victorian farm buildings the site is in the centre of Poundbury, Dorchester - the village being created by HRH The Prince of Wales. The buildings have been carefully restored with minor adaptations to create a unique garden centre. Working with the Duchy of Cornwall many eco friendly features are being utilised including the collection of rainwater for irrigation, the use of waste packaging to heat the site and the inclusion of bat roosting boxes.

Prince Charles has been a regular visitor and has taken a keen interest in the project. A recent scheduled two-minute visit stretched to 20 minutes as the features of the new centre absorbed him.

From a team of 5 in 1987 the business now employs over 130 staff. The original ideals of high quality plants, expertise and customer service still hold true and are the backbone of the business.