businesses are being urged to enter a competition that recognises their work to promote wildlife habitats.

Durham Wildlife Trust's Conservation Awards, now in their second year, are sponsored by energy supplier npower.

Among the categories are those open to urban and rural businesses in the County Durham, City of Sunderland, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Darlington areas.

The trust says projects eligible to enter could be anything from planting a wildlife garden to creating wetlands or restoring sites where wildlife has been lost.

Richard Wood, the trust chief executive, said: "The partnership between Durham Wildlife Trust and npower is a successful one, as was demonstrated by last year's awards. I am delighted that we are able to work together again this year to reward environmental improvement efforts that enhance biodiversity in local areas."

Gary Doig, npower's community involvement executive for the North-East, said: "Energy is at the centre of our business and at the heart of our work in the community. It is therefore very important to us to invest our time and energy in protecting and conserving the local environment for the benefit of future generations.

"The Conservation Awards are a great way of thanking people who are helping to achieve this, while raising awareness of the importance of environmental work and encouraging others to get involved."

The closing date for entries is Friday, September 2.

Winners will be presented with their award at a ceremony on September 29 at Durham County Hall.

Conservation Awards 2005 application details are available from Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191-584 3112.

Published: 02/08/2005