PRESS RELEASE

30 April 2009

PUT THE ‘GREEN’ INTO GREEN FINGERS

ALAN TITCHMARSH LENDS SUPPORT TO CWT’S WILDLIFE FRIENDLY GARDEN AWARD SCHEME

Renowned gardener and television presenter Alan Titchmarsh has lent his support to Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s new Wildlife Friendly Garden Award Scheme.

Registering his delight and approval of the scheme he said:
“I am delighted to support Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Wildlife Friendly Garden Award scheme.

“Gardens are nothing without butterflies and bees hovering around flowers, dragonflies flickering around a pond, or birds singing from trees and bushes.

“Turning up a stone or log to discover the secret bundle of invertebrates beetling away below is a delight, while wildlife such as ladybirds and worms are some of the gardener’s best friends.

“From an expansive country garden to a compact urban plot, our gardens are truly brought to life by the wildlife that visits them, and just a few simple plants and features can provide a vital haven for our native creatures.

“This scheme rewards all those gardeners who make room for wildlife, native plant species and use products that benefit the natural environment, so it’s a great opportunity to put the ‘green’ into ‘green fingers’ and get out and do your bit!”
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is urging gardeners throughout the county to apply for its new Award, highlighting the fact that gardens of all sizes – including urban gardens and allotments - can provide a vital haven for our native creatures.

Gill Bellairs from CWT explains:
“Cheshire is a county famed for its gardens, but we’d like to encourage their owners to consider including a few simple features that could make all the difference for wildlife.

“By making our gardens wildlife friendly we can begin to create a vital network, linking urban areas with the wider countryside.”
The scheme is FREE to enter and those who qualify for a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award will receive a Wildlife Friendly Garden Award plaque, to display on their gate or on a post in the garden as well as discounts on gardening products and other ongoing benefits.

Further information and application forms call 01948 820728 or email wildlifegardening@cheshirewt.cix.co.uk

For tips on how to make your garden more wildlife friendly please send a regular stamped A5 SAE requesting a ‘Wildlife Friendly Garden Awards leaflet’ to Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Bickley Hall Farm, Bickley Nr Malpas, Cheshire, SY14 8EF.

-ENDS-