A Celebration of Wildlife, Creativity, and Community
In ancient myth, Orpheus had a rare gift—his music could calm wild creatures and bring harmony to nature. A beautiful mosaic found in Cirencester over 200 years ago shows animals and birds gathering around him, drawn by his song.
Today, we all have the power to be like Orpheus. Nature isn’t separate from us—it’s part of us.
“Nature is the source of all true knowledge.”
Leonardo da Vinci
Every birdsong, buzzing bee, and rustle of leaves is a note in the symphony of life. And your garden—whether a backyard, balcony, school plot, or community space—is the stage.
Enter the ‘Bring Life to Your Garden 2025’ Competition!
We’re inviting individuals, schools, businesses, allotments, and community groups across Cirencester to share how you’re helping wildlife thrive right where you are.
Whether you’ve:
- Planted wildflowers for pollinators
- Built a bug hotel or hedgehog highway
- Let part of your garden grow wild
- Or simply started noticing the creatures that visit…
We want to hear your story!
Eligibility
Entries can be from individuals or groups (schools, neighbourhoods, businesses, allotments, etc.).
Prizes Include:
- Bat Detector
- Bird Box with Camera
- Bee Brick
- Forest Bathing Experience
- Expert advice from WildCiren
Judging Criteria
Our judges will shortlist entries and some of you may even get a visit from our judges to your garden! If chosen, you will be contacted to arrange a visit by 15th October 2025.
Our judges will be looking for inspiring stories about your connection with the natural world, including the benefits for wildlife, creativity, an appreciation for the hidden helpers in the soil and nocturnal animals, and how taking action makes you feel. Judging will focus on:
Creativity
How have you used creative thinking to support wildlife in your garden or green space?
We’re looking for innovative ideas, personal touches, and original methods—whether in your garden design, the materials you’ve chosen, the people you’ve involved, or the goals you set out to achieve.
Your creativity might shine through in:
- Upcycled or homemade wildlife features
- Inventive planting schemes or layouts
- Collaborative community efforts
- Playful or artistic elements that also support nature
Inspiration
What sparked your interest in wildlife? What drives you to garden differently?
This is your chance to inspire others by sharing the passion behind your actions.
We’d love to hear:
- The personal journey that led you to wildlife gardening
- What motivated you to enter the competition
- Why nature matters to you and how it has shaped your garden decisions
- Your ideas on how we can inspire more people to take action, and resolve the barriers they might face
Tell us how your connection to your garden has changed over time, and how it makes you feel.
Wildlife Benefit
What difference has your garden made for wildlife?
We’re looking for real, tangible evidence of how your space is now supporting birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, or plants.
Your entry could include:
- Photos or videos of visiting wildlife
- A diary or list of species you’ve spotted (and where!)
- Seasonal snapshots that show how wildlife activity has changed over time
- Details about habitat features you’ve added
- Habitat features could include ponds, log piles, pollinator plants, hedgehog highways
Even if you’re just getting started, we want to know what your space is set up to offer and how you’re encouraging biodiversity.
Appreciation of Hidden Helpers
Let’s not forget the unsung heroes of your garden—those working quietly underground or under the moonlight. For this wouldn’t be part of the Orpheus Project without a connection to the “underworld”!
We’re especially interested in:
- How your garden supports soil health, composting, fungi, worms, or other underground life
- The steps you’ve taken to welcome moths, bats, beetles, and other nocturnal or less visible species
- Your approach to sustainable gardening
Sustainable gardening includes approaches such as avoiding chemicals, conserving water, and using natural alternatives. Show us how you’re helping create a garden that’s not only beautiful, but resilient and future friendly, for both wildlife and the next generation.
Let your space come alive. Let your story inspire others.
Together, we can bring harmony to our gardens—and to nature itself.