Does Galway City Council run a Spaces for Biodiversity Competition?
Yes. Galway City Council runs an annual Spaces for Biodiversity Competition. The competition, which has been running since 1961 as the Galway City Garden competition, has been revamped in 2024 to better reflect the outstanding potential of biodiversity throughout Galway City and to highlight the great work that the people of Galway do to address our biodiversity emergency.
Who can enter the Spaces for Biodiversity Competition?
The competition is open to all owners of private residential spaces, schools, residential areas (must be made by resident's associations), businesses with public or commercial space and community groups in Galway city.
What are the competition categories?
The categories are:
- Private residential spaces - any outdoor space in a private residence which has an innovative approach to encouraging biodiversity and promoting pollinator friendly spaces
- Residential areas - less than 50 houses, 50-200 houses, more than 200 houses
- Public and commercial spaces - Including colleges, hotels, churches and places of worship, garages, shops/supermarkets, registered guest houses, industrial estates, commercial/retail parks.
- Community projects - youth group and community group project
How can I enter the Spaces for Biodiversity Competition?
You can enter by filling out this online application form
Are businesses allowed to enter the competition?
Yes. Businesses are encouraged to enter. The category available to enter is the public and commercial space category. Businesses are judged on any environmental initiatives that focus on maintaining outdoor spaces for nature, raising awareness on Biodiversity and having a litter free area outside your premises. If you would like more information, please contact the Environment Section in Galway City Council - 091 536 400 or environment@galwaycity.ie
What is the closing date?
The closing date is Friday 21st June 2024 at 4.00pm
How and when is the competition judged?
A competition judge will visit your space in July and will award marks based on scoring guidelines developed by the Galway City Council. For the competition in private residential spaces, the city is divided into geographical areas and prizes are awarded for the 1st and 2nd place in each area. Please note judging dates are weather dependent.
What are we looking for?
Judges will be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces. Any innovative use of space or project which takes into consideration food, shelter, and safety for pollinating insects will be judged favorably. For example such initiatives would take into consideration eliminating chemicals, pollen-rich flowers, log piles/bee hotels, mowing regimes etc.
What are the prizes?
Residential areas
Entries in this category must be made by a residents association. The presence and maintenance of any special features in residential areas, together with the enhancement and promotion of Biodiversity Will all be taken into account when allocating marks. The litter situation will get special attention.
The category is divided into 3: 0-50 houses, 50-200 houses and more than 200 houses.
€300 Prizes will be awarded in each category.
Private residential spaces
For judging this category, the city will be divided into geographical areas and prizes will be awarded for 1st and 2nd places only in each area. This category will be judged on the consideration the home owners give to native flora, pollinators and innovative areas to best promote these. We are not looking for pristine management of these spaces, but innovative nature friendly spaces.
Public and Commercial spaces
A Prize will be awarded for 1st place only for innovative areas which take into consideration pollinator friendly spaces . Attention will also be given to litter in and around the premises. Public and commercial buildings include Colleges, Places of worship, Shops, Hotels, Bars, garages etc.
Community projects
Garden projects organised through community groups or youth groups, including organic garden and planting initiatives can be entered in this category.
Is there an awards ceremony?
Yes, an awards ceremony takes place every year, usually in September/October.
Who sponsors the Spaces for Biodiversity competition?
The competition is kindly sponsored by Galway City Council, Dangan Nurseries, Madden Nurseries and Galway Crystal.
Where can I get more information on the Spaces for Biodiversity competition?
For more information on the Garden Competition, please contact the Environment Section on (091) 536 400 or email environment@galwaycity.ie
What can you do to improve Biodiversity?
In line with Galway City Councils objectives in the Biodiversity Action Plan (2014-2024) and the National Pollinator Plan (2021-2025); gardeners are being asked to enhance their gardens and green spaces for wildlife and pollinating bees and insects.
For gardens and green spaces to be good for pollinators, they need to provide food in the form of flowers, shelter for nesting and safety from chemicals.
Judges will be awarding marks for enhancing and promoting Biodiversity and pollinator friendly spaces.
For further information on how to make your garden or green space pollinator friendly visit: https://pollinators.ie/