A competition that was launched to try and encourage residents to use the town’s respective green spaces in a positive way have been announced.
Launched by the community boards in the north of the county, the Wild Aylesbury Vale Competition, which is in partnership with the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT), Lindengate Social and Horticultural Therapy Charity, wanted those who live near the spaces to show how they incorporated wildlife friendly features.
The competition, which was also open to organisations in the county, focused primarily on the elements of water, shelter and food for the creatures and critters that live in and around the area.
Overall winners in the Community Group, Parish Council and resident categories are as follows:
•Estone Grange Community Group from Wendover – who scored the highest overall rating against the competition criteria and had some wonderful features including a mini copse and new hedges. Residents created an oasis for nature on this new housing development for all ages to enjoy and learn about nature. They will receive a training session from BBOWT.
•Weston Turville Parish Council – who involved the local Explorer Scouts to help establish a patchwork of wildlife habitats around the village with seating areas and informative signage for local residents. They will receive a £200 voucher to spend at Lindengate.
•Richard Lloyd from Aylesbury – who utilised his garden for the benefit of wildlife and also involved his daughter in the project, whose enthusiasm for wildlife was evident.
All winners and runners up will each receive a Lindengate bee box, plaque and award certificate.
Ashley Waite, chairman of Haddenham and Waddesdon Community Board said: “The competition showed just how enthusiastic and committed the residents, parishes and community groups in our area are towards the environment”.
Kate Sheard, Community Wildlife Manager from BBOWT added: “It had been a difficult task to pick the overall winners as the standard of entries was very high and that people clearly felt very passionate about encouraging wildlife into their gardens.
“We particularly liked the way in which family and/or volunteers contributed to the projects”.
Runner up prizes went to the following:
•Anna-Marie Bailes
•Yasmin Cunningham
•Gudrun Schneider
•Paddy Ford
•David Pridmore
•Linda Pegg
•Katy Todd
•Werner Terrace Residents
•Waddesdon Brownies
•Townsend Community Orchard
•Weston Turville Allotment Association
If anyone would like to join their local Community Board Environmental Action Group, please visit: www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/community-and-safety/improving-your-local-community.
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