Ards & North Down Council

Ards & North Down Council investment provided funding for 20 projects through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme:

St Finians Preschool used their grant to enhance an outdoor space. The children have enjoyed developing their senses, imagination, sharing and sense of pride and learnt about planting. Staff have continued to enhance the green area where children can grow more plants/bulbs/vegetables in the future-Voice of the Child (VOC).

Redburn Loughview Community Forum used their Small Grant to revitalise a community garden having a significant impact on the residents and volunteers, especially during challenging times. The community have had a sense of purpose and fulfilment. It allows them to contribute positively to their community and make a tangible difference also offering opportunities for personal growth and skill development.

Comber Regeneration Community Partnership have been receiving LHLH Small Grants funding for 8 years to improve the town of Comber and its gateways for the benefit of its residents and visitors. They have collaborated with local Primary Schools and local Youth Organisations to teach them the benefits of horticulture.

Ballyholme Primary School developed a quiet sitting area including benches and sensory plants with calming scents and relaxing touches such as lavenders, lambs ear, lemon herbs etc. for pupils and adults with learning or sensory needs

Conlig Community Regeneration Group created a community garden in the grounds of the Presbyterian Church in Conlig. It provided one of the few green spaces where the residents of the village can relax and enjoy the open space. The design of the garden incorporates open space and planting that encourages wild life and pollinator insects to flourish and colonise the area. The garden is open and inviting to all and helps those affected by social isolation.

Millisle Health & Wellbeing Group Were granted a shed to store and keep safe equipment such as flowerpots, tools, plant foods, and other essential items to enable them to continue with their growing initiative.

Portavogie Culture & Heritage Society created a sensory garden area to be enjoyed by the whole community. The area includes bird feeders, a seating area, a variety of planters and plants to touch, smell and hear rustling in the wind. An area to reflect and relax in for people and pollinators.

Millisle Primary School improved a disused area to provide a garden for the children where they can explore and enjoy nature, learning to plant and care for flora and vegetables and to create habitats and food for insects and wildlife.  It's like their own little woodland area!

AMH Promote community garden scheme benefits both clients and staff within the centre and the local community. The installation of a pond will enable further study of nature and the environment for years to come.  Local groups and charitable business groups are welcome to come and volunteer. Clients also benefit from growing produce and learning new skills. Potting tables are accessible to those who need to sit or wheelchair users and our greenhouse now has a working space for the seed rearing.

Donaghadee Community Development Association (DCDA) installed pathways, a tree trail, educational boards on birds and trees, a platform extending into a wetland area and a tree nursery planted by 3 schools and 7 community groups. The project has helped restore Crommelin Wood as a valuable asset within the community, making it an accessible and enjoyable outdoor natural facility for all residents of Donaghadee and visitors.

Glencraig IPS PTA renovated an existing school garden area to provide a community resource. The enhancement of the area means there are now raised beds for every class, a sheltered area to lead lessons from and a new 'woodland' area for learning about the environment. They now have a beautiful learning space for many years to come, benefiting the students, teaching staff and local community

Portaferry Integrated Primary School now have seating, planting and wall/ fence planting in place. This will be beneficial to wildlife, pupils, parents and our school community. This area has become invaluable.

St Columbanus' College got funding for 7 raised beds (one for each form group in junior school) to be installed along the green space at the front of the school, plus some new tools for maintaining them. 6th Form Metal Health Ambassador Prefects and the HE department maintain the area. This garden area will be invaluable in supporting learning for years to come. 

Groomsport Village Association used their grant to add pollinator friendly plants. A neglected area was transformed and is now attractive to a wide age group. The wheelchair accessible raised beds makes it inclusive to everyone. A new area of work has been initiated with the Inclusive Beaches group incorporating volunteers.

Strangford Integrated College were recently awarded the Silver Eco Schools due to a reduction of litter and increased rate of recycling within the college. Funding provided the college and local community with a space to reflect and aid positive mental health. Other benefits include food resources and improvement with regards to biodiversity.

Ards Canal Path Community Group received funding for The Going Wild project, which is a hugely beneficial scheme for the local community to get involved in boosting and restoring biodiversity. The project creates a space for nature to thrive benefiting wildlife and enabling the community to directly tackle climate change.

Cloughey Heritage Group refurbished the old meetinghouse to enable family members to visit graves of loved ones. Items purchased with the funding include bulbs, flowers, shrubs, shed and tools and has proved to be a huge asset to the whole community.

Ballygowan Presbyterian Youth used their grant to improve an area of wasteland that can be used by Youth and Children's Organisations allowing them greater access to a safe outdoor space. By reviving the area it can be used by the community to socialise and take part in group work programmes, helping to increase health and wellbeing outputs by meeting in the outdoors and reducing social isolation.

Comber Community Garden created a sedum carpet to the roof of the log cabin/ garden library to improve insulation and biodiversity.  This provides improved air quality, reduced storm water runoff, and a natural habitat for pollinators. The wildflowers enhance and improve the area creating more biodiversity and adding colour to the town.