KEEN wildlife enthusiasts across Somerset are invited to take part in the Avon Wildlife Trust's gardening competition.

Supported by the Natural History Consortium and the Community Pollinator Fund from the West of England Combined Authority, led by Metro Mayor Dan Norris, the competition will be open for submissions from today (Friday, March 24), until 11.59pm on Sunday, July 16.

Submissions can range from a blossoming balcony, a beautiful green back garden, school outdoor spaces and more.

The competition will be split into four categories: Individual, Community, Education and Food Growing.

Entries are submitted using a form on the Avon Wildlife Trust website.

Everyone who enters will receive a poster encouraging others to get involved.

Three finalists from each category will be chosen by a panel of judges.

All of the finalists will be visited by a Team Wilder Ecologist, who will give advice on how to maintain and nurture your green space.

A photographer will also attend to take the photos which will then be used for the final public vote.

Winners of the public vote will then be announced in the early autumn.

Here is what you are in for a chance of winning:

• A wildlife camera.

• £75 voucher to spend at Grow Wilder.

• Prints of the photographs taken of your green space.

• A wildlife gardening book from the author, journalist and TV presenter Kate Bradbury.

• Ecological advice.

Julie Doherty, head of communities and engagement at Avon Wildlife Trust, said: “It doesn’t matter what form your garden takes, it’s all about how you use it to attract pollinators and other wildlife.

"We’d also love to see the inventive ways people have provided water and shelter for wildlife, using nature-friendly techniques and creative uses of space."

Metro Mayor Dan Norris added: “I know there are some amazing organisations of all sizes in our region doing their bit to create vital green spaces for nature and back our pollinator friends - the West of England’s unsung heroes.

"It’s why I’m proud a £20,000-plus grant from my West of England Mayoral Combined Authority has helped support these awards for 2023 to give such groups doing the hard graft of expanding bee and other wildlife habitats the recognition they so utterly deserve."

Submit your application now.