Why animals love garden

A GARDEN that has proved popular with wildlife for years has won recognition.

Foxes and hedgehogs have always enjoyed ambling around Verna and Brian Willcox's back garden in Walnut Avenue, Weaverham, but now it has been named the best house garden in Vale Royal.

It won the honour in the Weaver Vale Housing Trust-sponsored awards.

And the couple, who have spent six years cultivating the floral fancy, are happy their efforts came up roses.

Verna, 62, said: "The garden was just grass when we moved in.

"We have spent long hard days transforming it but it is worth it just to see the birds and our favourite hedgehog, who visits us every day."

Brian, 71, added: "It has not been easy. We are adding and changing things all the time.

"Recently we have put a wildlife pond in and that is really popular with frogs and newts.

"We both love being in the garden."

Judges were looking for a garden that made a visual contribution to the neighbourhood and the Willcoxs' variety of planting, imaginative use of space and environmental awareness won them favour. Carrie Warren, of Briar Lane, Weaverham, was runner up.