The new Down District Council offices at Downshire Civic Centre were the venue for a celebration of local biodiversity when Danielle Begley, Biodiversity Officer, announced the results of the Council’s Wildlife Gardening Competition. The competition, run as part of the Down District Local Biodiversity Action Plan, encouraged schools, businesses, community groups and individuals in the district to ‘do one more thing’ for wildlife in their gardens.
Danielle explained in her presentation, “With our wildlife habitats increasingly under threat, every action, however big or small can make a huge difference to wildlife in the district. From simple changes such as putting up bird feeders and nest boxes, or planting nectar rich plants such as buddleia and lavender to attract butterflies, to bigger projects such as building a pond or planting a native hedgerow – any action you take will benefit local garden wildlife”.
The competition aimed to promote the creation of attractive and welcoming gardens, both for wildlife and people. Entries ranged from small, urban gardens to large, rural green spaces. Judges looked for imaginative use of space, wildlife friendly techniques and provision of food and nesting for wildlife.
All award winners received their certificates and green goodie bags from the Down District Council Chairperson, Cllr Mickey Coogan who praised everyone for their hard work adding “our wildlife and biodiversity is important to us all and we need to protect it for future generations”.
For further information on the Wildlife Gardening Competition or about the Local Biodiversity Action Plan, please contact Danielle Begley, Biodiversity Officer on 028 44 610800 or e-mail Danielle.begley@downdc.gov.uk
