Fermanagh & Omagh Council

Fermanagh & Omagh Council investment provided funding for 8 projects through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme;

South West College Biodiversity Initiative is more than just a garden; it's a symbol of hope, unity and a commitment to protect the natural environment and promote biodiversity. The project brings together people of all backgrounds and ages, making sustainability and biodiversity accessible to all.
Funding provided a thriving garden and practical area open to the public, offering herbs and knowledge for all. South West College is dedicated to showing how to live sustainably while staying within our planet's means.

St Columba's Church Omagh used their grant to provide greater opportunity for the community to benefit from increased nature access. The green space is a meeting place for church groups, external groups and the wider Omagh community. Through the garden formation, groups with additional needs, Mothers Union, Evergreen Club (retired adults), and individuals have increased access to society and nature, providing benefits for both people and nature.

Gortin Well-Being Collective CIC grant funding enabled purchasing of plants and tools. This aided facilitation of a programme of 6 workshops based in and around the Forest Garden, focussing on soil health, compost, plant guilds, propagation and 2 forest garden volunteer days. The workshops provided an opportunity for learning, social experiences and healthy/tasty refreshments. A core group of volunteers work to create a resilient, perennial food system; enhance wildlife habitat and increase biodiversity.

Irvinestown Community Allotments funded project brought allotment holders together to build raised beds, plant seeds and bulbs educating on the importance of eating healthy produce and giving back to the community. The produce greatly enhances the content of food parcels with seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables provided to those who need it most.  The residents in the assisted living accommodation also benefit also from produce. Volunteers benefit from being outdoors, socialising with others and exercising improving mental health.

Omagh Riding Group for the Disabled provided a sensory garden using existing trees and planters creating new raised beds, with fragrant plants and herbs with different textures. Pathway and wheelchair access was also funded. This has created a pleasant meeting and sitting area for participants, families and volunteers. The garden is wheelchair friendly with maximum sensory input.

The Courthouse Kesh Ltd developed a project to grow fruit and vegetables in raised beds for local people to learn what to grow and how to harvest the crop, store the food, prepare it, cook it and store safely left-over food for reuse.

Brookeborough Primary School PTFA cleared up a disused area and created a beautiful space with raised beds and wildflowers. The outside area encourages and educates children and through the schools eco club gives them a sense of pride in their area to learn more about the environment and wildlife. A buddy bench was installed as well as herbs and flowers to be used in the school kitchen.

St. Patrick's GAC transformed a grass space into a vibrant, beautiful and unique community garden dedicated to past members. This project has had a positive impact within the local community bringing people together to share skills and talents to produce a memorial garden. A sense of belonging and pride was fostered. The eco seating provides comfortable seating to enjoy the local countryside.