Young Gardeners Celebrated for Boosting Local Wildlife
The future of local wildlife looks brighter thanks to the efforts of Erewash's youngest conservationists, who were recently honoured for their outstanding contributions to biodiversity. The Risley Biodiversity Group organised the Wildlife Gardening Competition to highlight the crucial role residents can play in creating sanctuaries for local species.
Inspiring Young Environmentalists
Among the award recipients was seven-year-old Lottie Easton, one of two winners in the 12 and under category. She expressed immense pride in her family's garden, describing it as a true wildlife paradise. "We have a bird house, two bee pots, a frogilo and a bug hotel we built," Lottie explained enthusiastically. "We have a hedge and our fences have spaces wildlife can crawl through."
Fourteen-year-old Logan Smith, who triumphed in the older age category, shared practical advice for aspiring wildlife gardeners. "You can always make a bird feeder out of a bottle," he noted. "By just planting wildflower seeds you can get butterflies coming in your garden, and wildflowers are easy to grow."
Community Support and Future Plans
The competition received backing from Risley with Hopewell Parish Council and saw enthusiastic participation across age groups. Fifteen-year-old Izzy Venison, who won binoculars in the competition, described her connection to her garden: "I love my garden as I can lie on the grass, listen to the birds and watch the clouds go by." She also offered important advice to fellow gardeners: "Treat insects with kindness as they are cool."
Organiser Tara Brassil confirmed the competition will return next year following the successful presentation of certificates at Risley Village Hall by Erewash's mayor, Councillor Harry Atkinson. The event recognised not only young participants but also adult contributors, including Treetops Hospice volunteers who received special mention for innovative projects using upcycled materials.
Prizes ranged from garden nursery vouchers to specially crafted bat boxes and bird boxes, with local businesses generously supporting the initiative. Councillor Mark Alfrey, Erewash Council's Lead Member for Environment, announced that an exhibition about the competition will be staged at Risley Village Hall's Christmas fair on Saturday, December 6, from 3pm, inviting residents to discover practical ways to enhance biodiversity across the borough.
