Boost for biodiversity as gardening fans go wild

Children have spoken about their passion for garden wildlife as Erewash’s Mayor presented them with awards for helping to boost biodiversity in the borough.

The youngsters were among winners of a nature contest that was launched in the summer – with the slogan: “Risley and Sandiacre goes wild.”

The gardening competition was organised by Risley Biodiversity Group to demonstrate the “vital role” green-fingered residents can play in creating havens for wildlife.

Seven-year-old Lottie Easton – one of two winners in the 12 and under category – told of her pride at how her family’s garden is just such an Eden.

She said: “We have a bird house, two bee pots, a frogilo and a bug hotel we built. We have a hedge and our fences have spaces wildlife can crawl through.”

Logan Smith, 14 – who was a winner in the next age group up – said: “You can always make a bird feeder out of a bottle. By just planting wildflower seeds you can get butterflies coming in your garden, and wildflowers are easy to grow.”

The Wildlife Gardening Competition was backed by Risley with Hopewell Parish Council. Local biodiversity campaigner Tara Brassil pledged it will return next year following the presentation of certificates at Risley Village Hall by Erewash’s mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson.

Prizes ranged from garden nursery vouchers to bat boxes and bird boxes. Izzy Venison, 15, who scooped binoculars, said: “I love my garden as I can lie on the grass, listen to the birds and watch the clouds go by.” She urged gardeners: “Treat insects with kindness as they are cool.”

The contest was also open to adults.

Organiser Tara said: “A special thank you to our winners for their amazing commitment to making space for wildlife and to Erewash Mayor Harry Atkinson for his support."

“Next year we'll be coming back even bigger so watch out for the competition launch next summer and get involved in any way you can.”