Lisburn and Castlereagh community groups “clean up” at Live Here Love Here annual awards
Two local community groups are celebrating after being recognised at the annual Live Here Love Here awards, which were held recently at Belfast City Hall and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon.
The Live Here Love Here Community Awards – delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful - recognise outstanding voluntary action tackling some of our most pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.
Carryduff Regeneration Forum was announced as the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Regional Champion in recognition of its exceptional year-round commitment to environmental volunteering, biodiversity and community pride.
The group has transformed a disused playpark into a thriving, well-used community garden that brings residents together to socialise, learn and engage with nature while enhancing local biodiversity and civic pride.
Led by a small but dedicated volunteer team, the Forum also drives wider regeneration work, including greenway development and public realm improvements.
Lisburn and Castlereagh runner-up Hillsborough Garden Volunteers were praised for their commitment to caring for 98 acres of chemical-free gardens at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, where they dedicate thousands of volunteer hours to habitat restoration, biodiversity and sustainability.
Cllr Tim Mitchell, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Communities and Wellbeing Committee, said: “Carryduff Regeneration Forum is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when local people come together with a shared sense of pride and purpose.
“Their transformation of a disused space into a vibrant community garden has delivered real benefits for wellbeing, biodiversity and community connection, and it is inspiring to see the positive impact this work continues to have across Carryduff.”
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.
"Groups like Carryduff Regeneration Forum and Hillsborough Garden Volunteers show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference.
"When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”