Council launches Wild Garden Competition

If your garden is a haven for bees, butterflies and birds, why not enter our competition for the chance to win the title of the city’s Best Wildlife Garden and 100 worth of gift vouchers!

Christine Doherty, Derry City Council’s Biodiversity Officer, explained: “This is the first competition of its kind in the city, to promote the creation of attractive gardens, which are welcoming to wildlife and people.

“A wildlife garden will help attract wildlife and brighten up your local area. It is not difficult or expensive and every garden, regardless of size, has the potential to create a mini nature reserve.

“The gardens will be judged on their variety of garden features that support wildlife (nest boxes, bird tables, ponds or log piles) and a variety of plants that provide food and refuge for wildlife all year round.

“We will also be keen to see the creative use of natural resources (making compost and the collection and use of rain water).”

This competition is part of the “Do One Thing” for nature campaign, funded by Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Derry City Council.

This is one of a range of events being held across the world for the UN International Year of Biodiversity 2010, to highlight the importance of safeguarding our local biodiversity (the variety of life on earth) and the small things that you can do to protect it.

For full details and entry forms contact Christine Doherty, Biodiversity Officer on 02871 365151 or email [email protected]. Please return completed application forms and a photograph of your wildlife garden by Friday, August 13.