This year, thanks to sponsorship by Quality Environment for Dartford (QED) Dartford Borough Council joined forces with Kent Wildlife Trust, Countryside Projects, Kent County Council and other Councils in Kent to develop an award scheme to recognise the efforts that people have made in their gardens to make them more attractive for wildlife.

This year, Dartford Borough Council promoted both the Gardening for Wildlife Award Scheme 2004 and a "Go Wild in Your Garden" Information Pack.

The Gardening for Wildlife Award 2004 Scheme was launched on the first day of Spring and ran until May. Each person wanting to take part in the Scheme completed a self assessment form. During June and July the entries received were visited by Kent Wildlife Trust volunteers who acted as assessors and assessed their wildlife area against set criteria. The entries were placed into Gold, Silver, Bronze and Commended award categories.

On Wednesday 20th October the presentation of these Awards will be taking place. In addition to the presentations Pauline Heathcote, Kent Wildlife Trust Co-ordinator has agreed to make a short presentation on her experiences including some hints and tips. Pauline will also be bringing a selection of Gardening for Wildlife literature with her.

QED (Quality Environment for Dartford) have kindly agreed to sponsor the Gardening For wildlife Award Scheme 2005.

In addition to the Gardening for Wildlife Award Scheme Dartford Borough Council has produced a "Go Wild in Your Garden" Information Pack which draws together a wide variety of information sheets covering wildlife gardening issues. The Information Pack is free of charge on request and is available throughout the year from Sandra Woodfall Environmental Promotions Officer, 01322 343057 or Sandra.woodfall@dartford.gov.uk