Biodiversity Northern Ireland

Newry and Mourne District Council Wildlife Gardening Competition

Urban habitats and gardens have been highlighted in the Newry and Mourne Biodiversity Action Plan as important for biodiversity. As a result of this, Newry and Mourne District Council in partnership with Ulster Wildlife Trust launched their first ever wildlife gardening competition in March 2008 to encourage everyone in the district to 'do one more thing' for wildlife in their gardens.

As part of the Ulster Wildlife Trust's 'Make Space for Nature' campaign, the competition aimed to promote the creation of attractive and welcoming gardens, both for wildlife and people. Entries were encouraged from private gardens, school gardens, community gardens and business gardens. Every garden, big or small, has the potential to be a mini nature reserve. The uptake was great for the first year of the competition and schools in particular were well represented.

The Mayor of Newry and Mourne, Cllr Colman Burns honoured green fingered residents at an awards ceremony in the council chamber on Thursday 2nd October 2008 to celebrate their wildlife gardening success.

The best private wildlife garden was awarded to Newell and Marley Bingham from Ballymartin, who are also Ulster Wildlife Trust members.

The best business garden went to Annetts garden centre in Warrenpoint, while the school title was given to the Bunscoil an Iúir for their excellent wildlife garden. St. Colman's P.S. Saval was the runner up while St. Malachy's P.S., Ballymoyer, St. Patrick's P.S. Hilltown and St. Mary's P.S. Annalong were all highly commended.
 
If you want to get involved with the Newry and Mourne Wildlife Gardening Competition this year, get in touch with Danielle Cookson at Newry and Mourne District Council Danielle.Cookson@newryandmourne.gov.uk or check out the Ulster Wildlife Trust web page to download an entry form www.ulsterwildlifetrust.org