A new wildlife garden has blossomed in west Belfast thanks to the efforts of the local community.
The welcoming space at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve is the result of six months effort by a team of volunteers.
Despite facing the challenges of the third wettest year on record, those involved were able to create a garden, designed for both people and wildlife to enjoy.
The garden features vibrant raised beds, constructed by Workforce students, filled with pollinator-friendly plants, herbs, edible fruits and wildflowers - a haven for bees, birds, butterflies and a host of other wildlife.
Enhancing the garden’s eco-credentials, all plants are grown in peat-free compost made from green waste donated by New Leaf Compost.
The addition of a pond, constructed with help from Black Mountain volunteers, ensures a vital refuge for wetland-loving creatures such as frogs and newts.
Other features include bug hotels, log piles, wild areas and bird nesting boxes to help the space grow.
A celebratory event was organised by local nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife this week to mark the official opening.
Dawn Patterson from the charity, who has been the driving force behind the garden, said it was a “fantastic community effort”.
“We now have an attractive and wonderful space where people can connect with nature and improve their health and well-being – a welcome addition to Bog Meadows,” she said.
“Residents and groups can enjoy hands-on gardening sessions and learn how easy it is to garden with nature in mind, all while experiencing the joy and beauty of bees and butterflies, often absent from so many people’s gardens.
“With nature in trouble, gardens have huge potential to be part of the solution with just a few simple changes.”
Volunteer Cathy Fitzpatrick said the initiative had provided a positive impact on her mental health.
“It’s been the best thing I could have done,” she said.
“After a challenging year last year, my mental health has improved significantly, and I really look forward to my time in the garden.”
