The parish council's efforts this year won the Special Countryside Companions Award for its wildflower meadow in Hoby Road and a Certificate of Achievement for its village floral displays.
But the council, as a public body, would not be eligible f
or the funding grants which will be available for an entry into the Britain in Bloom competition organised by members of the community themselves.
Enthusiastic volunteers turned out for a meeting last Thursday and formed the Friends of Asfordby Parish Garden and Wildlife Group under the chairmanship of David Shillam to spearhead the project.
Work to identify sites for floral displays, plant boxes and baskets has started and support from shops and local traders is being sought along with more volunteers and residents willing to add to the colour in their own gardens.
The group's aims go wider, however, than winning further acclaim in the competition. Members want an ongoing programme of conservation, landscaping, environmental quality and public awareness.
As a first step, the group is supporting the Save a Sapling scheme being organised by James Gamble, the wildlife meadow project manager, being launched at the meadow on Sunday. Members of the public can take any young tree sapling to the meadow between 10am and 3pm.
For information about the new group, or to offer assistance with the Asfordby in Bloom project, contact secretary Nigel Shelton on (01664) 812528.
The full article contains 267 words and appears in Melton Times newspaper.
