Gardening for Wildlife
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Loddiswell Show Best Garden for Wildlife (Judith Newman) and the Best Allotment for Wildlife (Sam Luttman). The over all winner was Sam Luttman who was presented with this fabulous trophy, designed, made and donated by Andy Harris
Please see below the full results, photos of all the entries and Judge's comments
Judge's Comments 2026:
Summary
It was a pleasure to return as a judge for this year’s Wildlife Gardening Competition and to see some really inspiring gardens and allotments taking part again in Loddiswell. Thank you to everyone who entered and for the time, effort and enthusiasm you put into creating spaces for nature. It was really encouraging to see such a wide range of approaches, from productive allotments filled with recycled materials and managed with sustainability in mind, to gardens packed with habitats for birds, pollinators and other wildlife.
The standard of entries was certainly high again this year, making judging a real challenge! Every entrant should be proud of the positive contribution they are making to local biodiversity, and we hope the feedback provided celebrates what you’ve achieved while providing a few ideas and inspiration for taking your wildlife-friendly spaces even further.
Hetty Lewis – Wilder Communities Officer, Devon Wildlife Trust
Best Allotment for Wildlife
1st Place: Sam Luttman
This allotment is an excellent example of how a highly productive growing space can work in harmony with nature. Every inch of the plot has been carefully considered, achieving a wonderful balance between food production and providing resources for wildlife. We were particularly impressed by the environmentally conscious approach to managing the plot, with techniques such as no-dig cultivation and minimising water usage, demonstrating a commitment to gardening sustainably. The plot was alive with pollinators during our visit, and allowing plants to flower and set seed provides valuable food and habitat for a wide range of species. It is clear that a great deal of care, knowledge and enthusiasm has gone into creating this thriving space.
A deserving winner of the Allotment category, this plot showcases how sustainable food growing and biodiversity can go hand in hand. If you were looking to enhance the space even further, you could consider incorporating a few additional habitat features, such as a small log pile or deadwood stack for beetles and other invertebrates, or a shallow water feature to support birds, amphibians and beneficial insects. These would complement the fantastic work already taking place and make an already outstanding allotment even more valuable for wildlife.
2nd Place: Jonny & Amy Woodings
As last year’s winners, this allotment continues to demonstrate an impressive commitment to creating space for wildlife alongside food production. It was clear that a great deal of thought has gone into providing a wide variety of wildlife homes, with numerous features intentionally designed to support different species. The diversity of wildlife-friendly elements throughout the plot creates a rich and welcoming environment, showing how an allotment can contribute positively to local biodiversity while remaining a productive growing space.
This was another very strong entry, and the standard of wildlife-friendly gardening remains exceptionally high. To build on the excellent foundations already in place, you might consider focusing on creating habitats for some of our more specialised species. Features such as a bee bank for solitary mining bees, additional deadwood habitats for beetles and fungi, or more night-scented flowers to support moths and the bats that feed on them could further increase the diversity of wildlife the plot supports. These would be exciting additions to an already inspiring wildlife-friendly allotment.
3rd Place: Judith Newman
This allotment demonstrates that even relatively simple wildlife-friendly features can make a meaningful difference. It was lovely to see bird boxes, bug hotels and a water dish incorporated into the plot, providing valuable resources for a range of species alongside productive food growing. These thoughtful additions show a clear appreciation for the needs of wildlife and help make the allotment a more welcoming place for birds, pollinators and beneficial insects.
Congratulations on achieving third place in the Wildlife-friendly Allotment category. If you were looking to develop the plot further for nature, you could consider allowing a small corner of the allotment to develop into a wildflower meadow, creating an even richer source of nectar and habitat for pollinators, as well as a foraging ground for hedgehogs, bats and birds. This addition would complement the excellent features already in place and further increase the wildlife value of the allotment.
​
Other Wildlife Allotment Entrants
Sam Bennett
This allotment includes several thoughtful features that are already providing valuable habitat for wildlife. We particularly liked the creative use of recycled materials throughout the plot, demonstrating that wildlife-friendly gardening does not have to be expensive. The small pond is an excellent addition, offering an important resource for birds, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates, while the compost heaps and quieter corners provide shelter for a wide range of insects, reptiles, amphibians and other wildlife.
If you were looking to increase the wildlife value of the plot even further, one of the biggest opportunities would be to introduce more planting specifically for nature. Adding a greater variety of nectar-rich flowers or native wildflowers amongst the crops would provide valuable food for pollinators throughout the growing season, while also making the allotment an even richer habitat for wildlife. You already have some excellent habitat features in place, and increasing the diversity of planting would complement these beautifully.
Andrew and Serbpreet Logan
It was wonderful to see an allotment where nature has been given space to thrive alongside productive growing. Allowing areas of longer grass and wildflowers to develop has created valuable habitat for pollinators, and we were delighted to see so many insects making use of these areas during our visit. The compost bin is another excellent feature, providing habitat for a variety of invertebrates while recycling valuable organic matter back into the plot. Overall, the allotment has a relaxed, wildlife-friendly feel, showing that a less intensive approach to management can have real benefits for biodiversity.
If you were looking to develop the plot further for wildlife, you could consider introducing a few additional habitat features to complement the excellent natural areas already present. For example, a small pond or shallow water feature would provide an important resource for birds, amphibians and insects, while a bird or bat box could encourage even more wildlife to make use of the space. These additions would build on the strong wildlife-friendly foundations already established across the allotment.
Best Garden for Wildlife
1st Place: Judith Newman
This garden is a wonderful example of how a beautiful garden can also provide an abundance of habitat for wildlife. It was clear that every area had been thoughtfully designed with nature in mind, from the variety of habitats and features to the excellent range of pollinator-friendly planting. We were delighted to see so much insect activity during our visit, and it was especially encouraging to see some vegetables being grown alongside flowers for wildlife. Allowing little patches of native wild plants such as nettles and ragwort to flourish demonstrates a real understanding that these species play an important role in supporting butterflies, moths and other insects. Features such as the hedgehog home, bird bath, compost heap and areas of longer grass all contribute to making this an outstanding wildlife garden.
This garden was a deserving winner of the Garden category, demonstrating an exceptional commitment to creating space for nature while remaining an attractive and enjoyable place to spend time. If you were looking to diversify the habitats even further, you could consider introducing features that support some of our more specialised wildlife, such as a small bee bank for solitary mining bees, a larger deadwood habitat to encourage beetles and fungi, or additional ponds or damp areas to increase opportunities for amphibians and aquatic insects. Incorporating more evening-scented flowers could also help support moths and the bats that feed on them. These are very much enhancements to an already exceptional wildlife garden, which is a fantastic example of gardening for nature.
Runner Up: Sam Luttman
Although entered in the Garden category, this wildlife-friendly space on an allotment plot demonstrates that gardening for nature can be achieved in any setting. We particularly appreciated the low-intervention approach taken throughout the plot, allowing wildlife to thrive naturally. The abundance of pollinators was immediately apparent during our visit, with the space absolutely buzzing with insect life and the sound of grasshoppers adding to the sense that this is a thriving habitat. We were particularly impressed by the large meadow area, the many plants left to flower and set seed, and the inclusion of night-flowering species to support moths and other nocturnal wildlife. It was also wonderful to see birds actively using the space, with nesting birds reported on the plot. Your enthusiasm for identifying and recording the wildlife you find is also commendable, helping to build a better understanding of the species present locally while demonstrating the positive impact this space is having for nature.
This space was a very deserving runner-up, creating an exceptionally rich habitat for wildlife within a relatively compact space. If you were looking to enhance the garden even further, you could consider adding a small pond or even a few shallow dishes of water to support birds, pollinators and other wildlife, particularly during dry weather. Creating a deadwood habitat or log pile would also provide valuable shelter for beetles, fungi and other invertebrates, adding yet another layer of biodiversity to what is already a fantastic example of wildlife-friendly gardening.
Congratulations to the winners of the Best Garden or Allotment for Wildlife class in the Loddiswell Show 2nd August 2025
The winners of this fabulous trophy made by Andy Harris were Amy and Jonny Woodings with their very wildlife friendly allotment
2nd Place: Judith Newman (Garden)
I3rd Place: Sam Bennett (Allotment)
Judge's Comments 2025
Summary​
It was a real pleasure to visit the gardens and allotments entered – from colourful front gardens full of pollinators to nature-friendly plots where wildlife is clearly thriving. Each space had its own character, so it was a very tough competition to judge, but what stood out in every case was the care and effort being put in to welcoming wildlife.
If you’d like to continue your wildlife gardening journey, why not apply for a Devon Wildlife Trust Wildlife Garden Award? It’s a free and supportive scheme that recognises outdoor spaces of all types and sizes that help nature. Wildlife Garden Award | Devon Wildlife Trust
A huge well done and big thank you to everyone who entered the competition – you all had fantastic spaces for nature and should feel very proud that you’ve each created a vital stepping stone for wildlife, supporting a more connected, resilient, and nature-rich parish!
Hetty Lewis
Wilder Communities Officer
Devon Wildlife Trust
Amy and Jonny Woodings - 1st Place Prize: Trophy + Nest Box
This allotment was a shining example of how food-growing and wildlife gardening can coexist in harmony. It ticked lots of boxes with a wide range of habitats thoughtfully created and clearly maintained with wildlife in mind. The effort to support nature alongside productive planting was evident throughout, making this space both practical and ecologically rich. As our overall winner, there is little more we could ask for, but if you’re ever looking to go even further, adding an additional small pond or experimenting with a bog garden could further expand the range of species your plot supports. A bee bank could also be a great addition to complement the brilliant work already done for pollinators.
Judith Newman - 2nd Place Prize: Fatball Bird Feeder
This garden was a fantastic demonstration of how wildlife-friendly spaces can also be beautifully designed and well-kept. The planting was clearly chosen with pollinators and other wildlife in mind, and the variety of habitats was impressive – it was a real joy to see so many insects and birds actively using the space during our visit. The balance between structure, aesthetics and ecological value was particularly well judged, and this garden was a very deserving second place. For a gardener already doing so much, an exciting next step could be to experiment with something more specialised, such as a bee bank or beetle bank, to further support native insects and enhance the garden’s biodiversity even more.
Sam Bennett - 3rd Place Prize: Bee and Butterfly Wildflower Seed Mix
This allotment beautifully demonstrated how allowing nature to take the lead can create a thriving and diverse habitat. Sam’s focus on prioritising wildlife has resulted in a rich, dynamic space where plants and animals flourish with minimal intervention. It’s inspiring to see such respect for natural processes and the biodiversity that emerges from it. This thoughtful and wildlife-first approach earned a well-deserved spot in the top three. To build on this wonderful environment, creating a dedicated mini meadow area of wildflowers could help concentrate resources for pollinators and provide a striking focal point.
Trudi Harrington
This garden was a brilliant example of how a variety of habitats can work together to support a rich mix of wildlife. The combination of grass, shrubs, hedges, trees, and flowers created a layered and inviting space for nature. It was wonderful to hear about the regular hedgehog visitors and the range of birdlife making use of the feeder and bird bath – a clear sign that the garden is a safe and welcoming place for wildlife. As a next step, you might consider creating a small mini meadow area, which would provide valuable shelter and food for insects, as well as add another texture to the garden’s wildlife appeal.
Bennie Lye
This front garden was a real treat for pollinators, with a vibrant and diverse selection of nectar-rich plants. The buddleia was a clear favourite with the butterflies – it was fantastic to see it so busy during our visit! The addition of a bird feeder was a lovely touch and showed a thoughtful approach to supporting a wider range of wildlife. To build on this brilliant work, you could consider introducing a small water source, like a shallow dish or mini pond, which would provide an essential resource for both birds and insects throughout the year.
Richard Stark
This front garden was a fantastic example of how even a small space can be bursting with life. The mini wildflower meadow was clearly thriving and doing a brilliant job supporting pollinators, with a lovely mix of colour, structure, and movement. It’s inspiring to see such a commitment to biodiversity right at the front of the home. One area that could be explored further might be adding in some features to support other types of wildlife too – perhaps a small log pile, bird bath or vertical elements like a bug hotel or climbing plants for added habitat variety.
Judith Newman & Ayse Rifat
This allotment was a wonderful example of what can be achieved in just a short space of time. The floral diversity was striking, with a stunning array of colours and blooms that were absolutely buzzing with pollinators – a clear sign that the planting is already having a positive impact. With such a strong start since taking on the plot, it’s exciting to imagine how this space will continue to develop. To build on the brilliant progress so far, introducing a small water source, in addition to the shallow dish, such as a mini pond, alongside features like a log pile and add to your bug hotel in the old pallet, would help provide shelter and support for an even wider range of wildlife.
Sam Luttman
This well-established allotment stood out for its generous display of wildflowers, which created a wonderfully natural feel and attracted a wide variety of insects. Sam’s long-term commitment to supporting wildlife was clear, with thoughtful planting that balances beauty and biodiversity. The space already offers a great refuge for wildlife and is clearly thriving. To enhance it even further, adding a water source would provide additional habitat and extend the range of species the plot supports.
Best Garden/Allotment for Wildlife Category
Loddiswell Show
Why not start preparing now for the 2025 competition
.We are pleased to be supporting the Best Garden / Allotment for Wildlife category at the Loddiswell Show.
There is a trophy for the winning entry and prizes for the top three entries.
We look forward to seeing all the entries no matter how big or small!
How to Make your Garden Wildlife Friendly
On this page there will be advice on what you can do to encourage wildlife to your garden
Our Gardening for Wildlife booklet is available for download with the link below.
Wildlife Garden/Allotment Criteria
Below is a list of features the judge would hope to see - you don't need to have everything
on the list as it's not always practically possible, but the more you can tick off the better.
Wild patch (unmown grass, nettles/"weeds" allowed to grow)
Wildflowers
Herbs
Bug Hotel
Wildlife friendly veg patch (no-dig)
Pond
Shallow water dish at ground level
Bucket or container pond
Compost Heap
Wildlife shelters - log pile, leaf pile, rock or stone pile
Animal or reptile hibernaculum
Native mature tree
Bog garden
Companion planting
Nest boxes
​
Bird Feeders
Plants useful to birds: seeds, berries
Hedgehog house
Hedgehog feed station
Hedgehog highway to neighbouring gardens
Bat box
Wormery
No pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, slug pellets or netting used.
Early spring, summer, autumn and winter flowering plants
Night scented flowers
Native trees or hedge planted
Peat free compost used
No dig gardening
Drought resistant plants
Water butt
​
Innovative use for an old Doll's House! (Sally Jelffs at the Chilli Farm)
