A COUPLE whose Kendal garden has become a sanctuary for butterflies, bees and a host of other species are in the running to win a national gardening competition.

Charles and Wendy Ely, of Larch Grove, have had their garden short-listed from hundreds of entries to be selected as one

of 15 finalists in the Wildlife Garden of the Year 2002 contest.

The couple, who are past winners of the environmental project category in the Kendal Pride competition, have cultivated their small garden in a way that is designed to attract wildlife by creating a series of interconnected ponds, and adding bird boxes and pollen-rich plants.

Mrs Ely said: "We have seen so much loss of habitat, so gardens are now playing a more important part than they ever have.

By doing just a few small things, people can attract an amazing variety of wildlife into their own gardens."

Their tips include keeping the garden a "little untidy", leaving twigs and foliage on the ground.

"We have a conifer and used to sweep up the fallen needles, but then we noticed that the birds dust-bathe in the needles, so we leave them," said Mrs Ely.

The couple would also encourage other gardeners to develop ponds or marshy areas to entice species, saying within days of creating ponds they saw great diving beetles, as well as water snails, smooth newts, common frogs, pondskaters, damselflies and dragonflies.

David Hill, who judged the Cumbria entries to the contest, said the garden had been created with the intention of encouraging wildlife, with recycled materials used innovatively, and including wheelchair access.

"This garden is a haven for wildlife, and a real oasis in its suburban surroundings," he added.

The contest has been run by the Wildlife Trusts, and the Daily Telegraph, with the overall winner due to be announced tomorrow (Saturday).

For more ideas about how to 'garden wild' call Rachel Osborn at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 015394-48280 for an information pack.