If you live in Ventnor and have a garden, whatever its size, Ventnor Town Council invites you to take part in their very first Wildlife Garden Challenge.
The Wildlife Garden Challenge is a competition, with several categories and prizes, that aims to encourage residents to consider their impact on the climate crisis.
They say,
“It is often said that the climate crisis is so large, that people don’t know where to start. Little changes to lifestyles, behaviours and how organisations do business does and will add up to a sufficient amount of good for the climate and planet.
“That is why we cordially invite residents to have a go at wilding their own gardens, as even the smallest of changes will make a difference.
“Whether it’s a small part of your garden that you dedicate to supporting wildlife, insects or wild meadow seeding, or a large part of your garden.
“Whatever you decide, it will make a positive difference in helping our planet and the collective life force upon its surface to flourish, whilst supporting carbon emission reduction.”
Range of categories
Prizes will be awarded for the following categories
- Best garden: best overall garden based upon wildlife friendly plantings and methods.
- Best small garden: best small space for – courtyard, balcony, or garden under 20 square meters – for wildlife and planting.
- Most improved: best garden space that can demonstrate being in transition towards being a haven for flora and fauna using ecologically sound methods.
- Best kitchen garden: using organic techniques to produce fruits vegetables and herbs.
- Young gardener award: special category for a young person who can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviour of a wildlife friendly gardener.
Cockett: Look forward to seeing the delights this competition reveals
Cllr Stephen Cockett, Deputy Mayor of Ventnor, told News OnTheWight,
“We look forward to seeing the delights that this competition reveals, hopefully it’ll also provide a channel so that keen residents can also share nature-friendly tips and inspiration, and can build on what is already an astonishing part of the world.
“I would also like to thanks Cllr Steve Cooper and resident Maggie Nelmes for their valuable contributions getting this underway.”
Judging
In August local experts will judge the gardens, giving marks on how many wildlife friendly features they include, the richness of species, with particular merit awarded for native species and pollinator friendly planting and other ecologically sound methods employed such those listed in the suggestions.
Generous prize-givers include Lesley’s Nutshell (Pier Street) and Ventnor Botanic Garden.
You can find out more information about how to take part by visiting the Ventnor Town Council Website.
Article edit
2.56pm 12th May 2022 – Mayor change to Deputy Mayor
Image: crystal jo under CC BY 2.0
