Since its launch in 2021, the Wildlife Garden Award has been encouraging the spread of nature-friendly garden practices.

To qualify, participants need to have done ten things for nature on their home patch. Each of the nature-friendly actions is easy and cheap to do but will make a real difference to local wildlife. They range from going peat-free and opting not to use pesticides/herbicides, to building a log pile and providing a garden birdbath.

Friends of Downhorn Park from Plymstock, near Plymouth were the 1,000^th recipients of a Wildlife Garden Award. Based next to Plymstock Community Centre, the Friends of Downhorn Park group has transformed a neglected green space into a community garden that is not only welcoming to people, but also offers a real haven for wildlife. 

Over the past two years, the group has been busy improving the site by introducing wild areas to help pollinators, planting hundreds of trees, installing a bug hotel, and adding benches and raised beds that contain a range of flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Colin Munn, Chair of Friends of Downhorn Park, said:

“We set up the group in 2022 as a group of us were concerned that this green space was becoming degraded, and at the same time, a local GP was interested in the idea of a community garden for their social prescribing. Since establishing Friends of Downhorn Park, we’ve been doing various activities to improve the habitat and space. Wildlife gardening is really important because the decline in habitat for wildlife is massive. In cities and suburban areas like this is, although there are a lot of gardens, it’s really important that gardens have wildlife at their heart.”

Alex Stafford, who volunteers with Friends of Downhorn Park, said:

“It’s really gratifying to receive the award has because it’s an acknowledgement of the couple of years’ worth of work that’s gone into it all. I would really encourage other people to apply for a Wildlife Garden Award too because it just shows that there’s loads you can do to encourage wildlife. I was surprised how quickly you see the difference that it makes.”

The public can visit and see the results of the green fingered work of Friends of Downhorn Park at Plymstock Community Centre’s garden. The centre is open to the public to visit. More details can be found at  www.downhornpark.uk/

Hetty Lewis is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities Officer. Hetty said: 

“We’re absolutely thrilled to have reached 1,000 wildlife garden awards – it’s a real testament to how much people across Devon care about nature. In the three years since launching the scheme, we’ve seen people planting for pollinators, creating ponds, seed swapping with neighbours, and so much more. 

Every garden, balcony, or community space where people have been taking steps to encourage wildlife contributes to a much bigger picture for nature across the wider landscape. When lots of people make small, positive actions, it can really add up to make a big difference for both people and wildlife – and that’s what this award celebrates.”

Kate Wilkinson is Wilder Communities Team Leader at Devon Wildlife Trust. Katie said:

"We’re so pleased with the public response to our Wildlife Gardening Award. The project underlines the importance of gardens for nature, while also recognising the efforts of local people and communities.

The nation’s 15 million gardens play a big part in the fortunes of wildlife. With just a few simple changes it’s possible to fine tune your own garden to provide a better home for nature.

Gardening for wildlife doesn’t need to be complicated; nor does it mean abandoning your secateurs and surrendering to a bramble invasion. Our Wildlife Gardening Award webpages provide lots of ideas and tips on making simple changes which will benefit nature.

Give it a try and you could claim your own award!"

The Wildlife Garden Award remains open to entrants from across the county, no matter how big or small the garden is. To find out more and to get lots of tips on how to encourage nature to flourish go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wildlife-garden-award