Our community wildlife garden at Gosling Sike has received another accolade, this time from the European Garden Association’s Nature in the Garden (Natur Im Garten) initiative. 

Gosling Sike in Houghton near Carlisle won the ‘Gardening Focused on the Community’ category, which was judged by a panel of experts from across Europe. The European Award for Ecological Gardening is held every two years, and is similar to the RHS ‘It’s your neighbourhood’ initiative in the UK.

The awards ceremony was held at St Pölten on the outskirts of Vienna last week. There were three categories, with 10 finalists in each:

• Gardening focused on the community (won by Cumbria Wildlife Trust)
• Biodiversity and climate change adaption in gardens and green spaces
• Trends for the future: new knowledge – new diversity

The Natur im Garten jury said of Gosling Sike: “This project stands out for its holistic approach, combining nature, education, and social engagement. Located beside a nature reserve yet open to all, it invites exploration, learning, and connection. Its inspiring organic garden, large pond, sensory area, seed bank, and wildflower nursery promote biodiversity, environmental awareness, and local sustainability. The project exemplifies how ecological responsibility and community spirit can grow together in harmony.”

Speaking after the ceremony, Adam McGinley, Gosling Sike Manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “It was fantastic to win this award, it’s a real appreciation of all the amazing volunteers and community members who take action for nature at Gosling Sike. 

“Gosling Sike is a community hub for people and nature and it was wonderful to be recognised as such, by receiving this prestigious award.”