Somerset Wildlife Trust has launched a new award scheme designed to promote wildlife-friendly practices in people's allotments and vegetable plots.

The scheme coincides with National Allotment Week 2024, which began on August 12 and runs until August 18.

During the week, the Trust is reminding supporters about the advantages of adding wildlife-friendly plants and making environmentally friendly choices in their allotments.

These spaces can act as important havens for wildlife if small changes are made.

There is a broad range of ways in which wildlife can be welcomed into allotments, from using peat-free compost to being conservative with water, maintaining soil, avoiding the use of chemicals, and planting pollinator-friendly flowers.

The Trust's Wildlife-Friendly Allotment Awards, to which all are welcome to apply, will be given to those who can demonstrate that they are making efforts to protect the environment and welcome wildlife.

Successful applicants will receive a plaque signifying their commitment to wildlife, intended for display within the growing space.

Bryony Slaymaker, wilder communities manager at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said: "We’re so excited to officially launch our Wildlife-Friendly Allotment Awards scheme!

"There are so many ways you can manage your allotment or veg plot in a way that minimises harmful environmental impacts and creates an inviting space for wildlife, and by making a few small changes, you can create a mini-ecosystem that promotes abundant produce growing and supports wildlife.

"You can then apply for one of our Wildlife-Friendly Allotment Awards, to proudly display on your plot to encourage others to make positive changes for wildlife in their own growing spaces.

"If your whole Allotment Committee gets involved, we’ll even send you a community award!

"We know that in order for nature to recover, we need a lot more people on nature’s side, and the science shows that if just one person in every four takes visible action for nature, this can be enough to change the minds and behaviour of the majority — which means the small changes you make in spaces like allotments really can add up."

Those interested in the Wildlife-Friendly Allotment Award can apply by filling out a short survey at https://uk.surveymonkey.com/r/ycsswvg.