Ferndown Rotary Club’s Young Environmentalist Challenge Competition attracted a large number of entries, which indicates a tremendous response from schoolchildren concerned about local environmental issues, says organising Chairman, Gerry Clarke.
He adds, “Our challenge was primarily designed to create greater awareness of environmental issues amongst local schoolchildren and the results have served to remind us of the importance of the environment in the minds of the younger generation.”
In addition to writing essays and making presentations, competitors were asked to produce an annotated sketch and site plan for a sustainable wildlife garden, showing natural elements, habitats, flowers, shrubs and trees and indicating the different species of birds, butterflies and other wildlife that would be attracted. So far, more than 100 creative garden designs have been received from children aged between 5 and 18, which are currently being judged with the help of local Chelsea Flower Show Gold medal winner, Neil Lucas from Knoll Gardens, who is also presenting special book prizes to the winners. The results of the competition will be announced at a special Young Environmentalist Awards Ceremony to be held at Cobham Sports and Social Club on 15 June.
