Residents across Ealing have been recognised at the borough’s Biodiversity Awards for their efforts to create greener, wilder spaces. The ceremony showcased how local people are helping to make Ealing greener, healthier and more sustainable.
Held at Ealing Council’s Perceval House last week (10 September 2025), the event, now in its second year, celebrated the creativity of residents, schools and community groups who are transforming everyday spaces into havens for wildlife.
From pollinator-friendly planting to bug hotels and even hedgehog doors, the competition highlighted how small interventions can make a big difference to biodiversity across the borough.
Run by Cultivating Ealing in partnership with Ealing Council and ActForEaling, the awards invited entries from front gardens, allotments, schools and community spaces. Judges praised the imagination, environmental impact and community spirit behind this year’s projects.
Debbie Fogarty, chair of Cultivating Ealing, said: “This is the second year of the Ealing Biodiversity Awards for Gardens and Green Spaces competition, and there has been a pleasing increase in entries, with even higher standards than last year which gave the judges a tough job.”
Winners included Steve Craik for best front garden, with community honours shared between Elaine Gristock of TITRA Community Garden and Ealing Transition’s Lammas Community Orchard. A special Environmental Transformation Award was given to Melissa Lake for her work with the Island Triangle Residents’ Association in North Acton. In the allotments category, the Ascott Allotments Wildlife Plot, led by Jane Hodgkin and Craik, took first prize.
Schools were also celebrated, with St Gregory’s Catholic Primary named School Garden of the Year and Vicars Green Primary winning Best New School Garden. Derwentwater Primary received the award for Best Community Supported School Garden, while others were commended for their creativity, from sensory gardens to edible planting schemes.
Councillor Paul Driscoll, Ealing Council cabinet member for climate action, said: “It’s brilliant to see so many residents passionate about making a difference to their local environment by preserving front gardens and creating green spaces. Congratulations to all our winners, and we hope to see even more people inspired to take part next year.”
