The welcoming space is the result of a dedicated six-month effort by a diverse team of local volunteers. Despite facing the challenges of the third wettest year on record, volunteers dug deep and rolled up their sleeves to create a sustainable and wildlife-friendly garden, thoughtfully designed for both people and wildlife to enjoy.

This week, a celebratory event was organised by local nature conservation charity Ulster Wildlife to welcome residents and to thank the volunteers, local community organisations, businesses and funders whose support has made the garden possible.

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 New Leaf compost, made and donated by Natural World Products. 

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. Plus, extra features such as bug hotels, log piles, wild areas, and bird nesting boxes help the space grow just that little bit wilder.

A huge well done to all our volunteers and helpers – this 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.

Dawn Patterson, Ulster Wildlife’s Community Engagement Officer at Bog Meadows, who has been the driving force behind the garden, was thrilled to see everyone’s hard work come to fruition.

“A huge well done to all our garden volunteers and helpers – this 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.

“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.”

The garden volunteers meet weekly and undertake a variety of tasks from planting and weeding to providing a welcoming space everyone can enjoy.

After a challenging year last year, my mental health has improved significantly, and I really look forward to my time in the garden. Dawn, Jessica, the volunteers and team are just the loveliest group of people, and the positive impact of the garden has been a Godsend to me.

Cathy Fitzpatrick, who has been volunteering for the last seven months, shared the positive impact the garden has had on her mental health.

“It’s been the best thing I could have done. After a challenging year last year, my mental health has improved significantly, and I really look forward to my time in the garden. Dawn, Jessica, the volunteers and team are just the loveliest group of people, and the positive impact of the garden has been a Godsend to me.”

Amber Jennings highlighted the sense of community from volunteering in the garden.

“I have met so many like-minded and lovely people who all just want to help their community - it's changed my life perspective. I feel energised and optimistic.”

The garden has been nominated for this year’s 'Best Community Garden' at this year’s Best of the West 2024 awards.

Funding for the garden was made possible by the Department of Infrastructure ‘Living Spaces and Places’ grant, administered by the National Lottery Community Fund.

Additional thanks were extended to St Galls Men's Shed for assistance with technical skills and to Caterpillar and New Leaf for their contributions to the planting efforts. 

For further information about gardening for wildlife, sign up for Ulster Wildlife’s ‘Let Nature In’ campaign to get a pack full of information and advice.

Find out more about how you can get involved at Bog Meadows Nature Reserve from volunteering in the garden or nature reserve to youth or well-being in nature activities