Tyrone fourth friendliest in UK

A ‘Map of Human Warming’, created by The Big Lunch, shows that not only is NI “warmer” than Scotland, Wales and all the English regions – but, when warmth is listed by county, the entire top six is dominated by Northern Ireland.

Now in its eighth year, The Big Lunch is an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by the Big Lottery Fund. It aims to get as many people as possible to have lunch with their neighbours in a simple act of community, friendship and fun.

Big Lunches can be in your back garden, your street, or in a large public space. Some are barbecues, some picnics, they can involve a handful of people right up to huge gatherings. All people have to do to get started is sign up for a free pack.

Data from between 2010 and 2015 was used to find which regions across the UK had made the most requests for Big Lunch packs – and this information was used to create a ‘Human Warming Index’ and the Map of Human Warming.

Fermanagh is rated as the hottest UK county – meaning per capita it is the friendliest in the UK, per the Index - with NI dominating the top 10 county list, which also includes Cornwall, Cardiff and Dundee The 10 ‘hottest’ counties according to the latest figures were: County Fermanagh, County Armagh, County Antrim, County Tyrone, County Derry, County Down, Cornwall, Dundee City and Devon.