Gardeners think big in wildlife contest

Huge number of entries shows a diversity of ideas

No space is too small to be transformed. That is the message to come out of the Big Wildlife Garden competition run by the RHS and The Wildlife Trusts.

Six winners were chosen from more than 400 diverse entries. One began simply as somewhere to enjoy a glass of wine; another because a community wanted to make something of a rubbish-strewn corner of an allotment. The business winner wanted to provide staff with a lunchtime refuge. 

‘Those who entered are obviously aware of the important role gardens have for wildlife and the wider natural environment,’ said Helen Bostock, RHS wildlife expert and one of the judges alongside TV presenter Sarah Raven and Dr Steve Head from the Wildlife Gardening Forum. ‘Some had fantastic drive and passion which made them stand out as winners.’

Morag Shuaib from The Wildlife Trusts said: ‘Our final six are truly reaping the rewards of their efforts with stunning wildlife spectacles, such as witnessing emerging dragonflies and even frogs’ chorus.’

The winners will be attending a wildlife gardening master class at this year’s RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show. They will also receive a plaque in recognition of their achievement, a year’s membership to their local Wildlife Trust and RHS, a book on wildlife gardening, bird seeds and wildflower seeds.

The competition was funded by Defra. Environment secretary Caroline Spelman said: ‘Gardening is one of our great British pastimes and this competition has shown the passion people have for creating gardens which work as spaces for families and friends to enjoy as well as being wildlife havens. This competition is a great example of how everyone can help the natural environment to flourish.’

See the six winners