WildCiren and partners are pleased to announce a new competition to celebrate wildlife in the town…
Bring Life to your Garden in 2025
In ancient mythology, Orpheus had a rare gift – his music could soothe wild creatures and bring harmony to the natural world. A stunning mosaic discovered at Barton Farm in Cirencester over 200 years ago captures this magical ability, showing animals and birds gathering around him, united by the songs he is playing on his lute.
Today we all have the power to be like Orpheus
Nature isn’t separate from us, it’s part of us.
“Nature is the source of all true knowledge” (Leonardo da Vinci)
Every birdsong, every buzzing bee, every rustle in the undergrowth is a note in the great symphony of life.
And our gardens, window sills, schools, and community spaces are the stage.
That’s where you come in…
We’re inviting individuals, schools, businesses, neighbourhoods, allotments and community groups
across Cirencester to enter the Bring Life to Your Garden 2025 competition – a celebration of the
inspiring ways people are helping wildlife thrive close to home.
Whether its planting wildflowers for pollinators, building a bug hotel, letting a patch grow wild or simply
noticing who visits your garden – we want to hear your story.
Tell us:
Fabulous prizes on offer include:
If everyone took action for wildlife in their garden, the impact would be massive.
How to Enter:
Entries must be as an individual or a group.
Groups can include schools, businesses, allotments, community groups and neighbourhoods or streets.
You must provide the following details:
Your story must include the following information as a minimum:
Judging
Judges will shortlist entries and invite some of you to meet them in-person to talk about your entry and
learn more about your experience. If chosen, you will be contacted to arrange a visit by 15th October
2025.
Our judges will be looking for inspiring stories about your connection with the natural world, including the benefits for wildlife, creativity, an appreciation for the hidden helpers in the soil and nocturnal animals, and how taking action makes you feel.
The judging criteria are:
Creativity (unique approaches and personal touch)
How have you used creative thinking to support wildlife in your garden or green space?
We’re looking for innovative ideas, personal touches, and original methods—whether in your
garden design, the materials you’ve chosen, the people you’ve involved, or the goals you set out
to achieve.
Your creativity might shine through in:
Let your imagination (and your garden) bloom!
Inspiration (passion that motivates others)
What sparked your interest in wildlife? What drives you to garden differently?
This is your chance to inspire others by sharing the passion behind your actions.
We’d love to hear:
Tell us how your connection to your garden has changed over time, and how it makes you feel.
Wildlife Benefit (positive impact for nature)
What difference has your garden made for wildlife?
We’re looking for real, tangible evidence of how your space is now supporting birds, insects,
mammals, amphibians, or plants.
Your entry could include:
Even if you’re just getting started, we want to know what your space is set up to offer and how
you’re encouraging biodiversity.
Appreciation of our Hidden Helpers (from worms to moths, who often go unnoticed)
Let’s not forget the unsung heroes of your garden—those working quietly underground or under
the moonlight. For this wouldn’t be part of the Orpheus Project without a connection to the
“underworld”!
We’re especially interested in:
Sustainable gardening includes approaches such as avoiding chemicals, conserving water,
and using natural alternatives.
Show us how you’re helping create a garden that’s not only beautiful, but resilient and futurefriendly, for both wildlife and the next generation.
Make your space come alive – and let your story inspire others.
All entries must be received by 30th September 2025
Competition Website
Entries open soon via the competition website above.