A Dalston-based vet's practice has scooped up two RHS Cumbria In Bloom awards for their impressive wildlife-friendly garden.

Paragon's branch earned not only the coveted Gold sustainability award, improving on last year’s Silver-Gilt, but also grabbed the Outstanding accolade in the "It’s your neighbourhood" category.

Their wellbeing garden, nurtured over several years, caters for a wide range of wildlife, boasting a pond, a wild section to attract hedgehogs, and a bog for toads and frogs.

This year, they added a stumpery, an innovative creation of dead wood, ferns, and foxgloves, cultivating a moist, dark habitat for thriving fungi and biodiversity.

The garden, brimming with bird and bat boxes, bug homes, and bee hotels, also adheres to "No Mow May" to ensure spring feed for pollinators.

Equally, the staff enjoys this vibrant spot during their breaks, refreshed by the rejuvenating aura of the green space.

Laura Binnie, a small animal vet and Paragon’s Sustainability Lead, said: "I was absolutely delighted at the news.

"It’s nice to get some recognition for the work that we do, but also nice to be able to come back to the practices and let everyone else know."

It also serves as a serene last moment space for pets under euthanasia and an educational hub for local children from St Michael’s Primary School, instructed on environmental friendliness by Laura.

News and Star: Laura Binnie, small animal vet and sustainability lead at Paragon, receiving the award from Chair

This concerted effort, involving staff contributions in landscaping and building planters, stems from a sustainability plan introduced three years ago.

Laura added: "We are currently applying for more sustainability accreditation, so we can demonstrate to our staff, clients, and other practices that we are committed to sustainability.

"Unfortunately, veterinary practices can be quite wasteful, with a high carbon footprint, so we are trying to do what we can to make a difference."

This environmentally-aware approach previously earned Paragon an ‘outstanding achievement’ in environmental sustainability by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

Currently, they're on the shortlist for the Green/Ethical Business of the Year in the in-Cumbria Business Awards, alongside The Natural Plant Food Company and Park Cliffe Camping and Caravan Park, slated for November 23.