THE Leasowes Walled Garden has been chosen as the winner of the first Wild About Gardens Week "plant a bat feast" photo competition.

The competition, organised by the Royal Horticultural Society, The Wildlife Trusts and Bat Conservation Trust, has put the Walled Garden in the national spotlight.

Gardeners were encouraged to create and photograph their insect-friendly plots and the 18th Century walled garden, which is in the process of creating a wildflower meadow, complete with wildlife pond, won the group category for their ‘Biodiversity and Bats’ area, created and maintained by volunteers.

Mick Freer, project leader, said: "We've been overwhelmed by the publicity associated with this competition.

"Since our win was announced, we've been tweeted about, blogged about and published about.

He added: "This is recognition and evidence of our progress and intentions as a community project that is working hard to increase biodiversity and attract a range of species: bats, in this case."

Leasowes Park is of historical significance because of the landscaping carried out by poet William Shenstone from 1743 until his death in 1763.

The walled garden was added in the 1770s to feed the family and servants of the next owner, Edward Horne, who built a small mansion there – now home to Halesowen Golf Club.

To celebrate their win, Leasowes Walled Garden are inviting readers to support the project by donating £1 in return for entry into a competition.

To be in with a chance of winning one prize of £100 Jamie's Italian vouchers (courtesy of the RHS and Forest Holidays) donate via www.leasoweswalledgarden.co.uk or send a cheque to Halesowen Abbey Trust to 59 The Hawnelands, Halesowen, B63 3RT.

The winner will be drawn at random on midday 31/03/2017 and announced soon after.