Eco-friendly bee haven wins Shed of the Year 2018 competition

The contest attracted nearly 3,000 entries and 16,000 public votes

The shed of the year was an eco-friendly bee haven (PA)

An eco-friendly bee haven has been crowned Shed of the Year, pipping a converted black cab and an Irish pub to the esteemed position.

Handmade by firefighter, George Smallwood from Sheffield, the shed - not only far more impressive than what most people have in their gardens - is a self-watering, self-sufficient home for vegetables, herbs and insects.

Not only does the shed look far more impressive than what most people have in their gardens, but it’s also a self-watering and self-sufficient home for vegetables, herbs and insects.

The Bee Eco Shed (PA)

The shed features two beehives, a vegetable patch, a 'bug house' in the main shed and a wildflower garden on the roof. It took the firefighter and a friend two months to build.

For Smallwood, 33, winning the 2018 title and a £1,000 cash prize was a “welcome surprise”.

George Smallwood (PA)

“We hope our shed will inspire others around the UK to create spaces for wildlife in their gardens,” he said.

“We’re so proud that our shed has become a habitat for nature in a small urban garden, showing you can always do your bit for making a home for nature.”

The annual competition features eight categories including eco-friendly creations, budget outbuildings and historic-like structures.

Although the Bee Eco Shed took the top spot, it faced fierce competition from other impressive structures including a Legoland-inspired haven, a black cab converted into an outdoor bedroom, and a structure made out of glass bottles.

Competition founder Andrew Wilcox said: “The competition was extremely tough this year, from a musical shed on the water, to a taxi, to an authentic Irish pub.

“George’s shed stood out due to its impressive, handmade structure but also because of its unique story and special purpose.”

The Cuprinol-sponsored contest, now in its 11th year, attracted nearly 3,000 entries and 16,000 public votes.

Last year’s winner was the Mushroom Shed, a quirky creation hand-built by Ben Swanborough and his 12-year-old daughter - it features a trap door, hidden treat shelf and glass floor overlooking a stream at the bottom of the garden.