14 March 2005

Go wild in the garden

With the countdown to the first day of spring fast approaching, Sevenoaks District residents will soon have the chance to take part in the ‘Gardening for Wildlife’ award scheme, which aims to make local gardens more tempting for native wildlife.

The scheme will be launched on 21 March, the first day of spring, and is open to individuals, community groups, schools and businesses. It aims to provide advice on attracting wildlife into any size of garden and rewards people for their efforts.

As part of the launch, the Council has created a wildlife garden planter with help from Coolings Nursery, Knockholt. The planter will be outside the Council's Sevenoaks Offices from May and then will be given away as a prize at the awards ceremony.

Cllr Avril Hunter, the Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for the environment, says: “Many people do not realise that you don’t need to be an expert or have a large garden to help wildlife. Even small changes can attract wildlife and the more people who get involved, the more wildlife will benefit.”

Sevenoaks District Council is offering local people the chance to take part in this innovative scheme, which encourages people to garden with the needs of wildlife in mind. The scheme will be run in partnership with Kent Wildlife Trust.

Those who take part will receive a free ‘Go Wild in the Garden’ information pack crammed with wildlife gardening advice and ideas.

To register your interest in receiving a free information pack and award scheme entry form, please call Hayley Brooks at the Council on 01732 227272 or e-mail hayley.brooks@sevenoaks.gov.uk

For further information please contact: Daniel Whitmarsh on 01732 227414 or e-mail daniel.whitmarsh@sevenoaks.gov.uk