A community orchard has been brought to life in Ballygowan thanks to a collaboration of volunteers.

Pupils from Alexander Dickson Primary School and Carrickmannon Primary School met with residents of Dickson Park, Ballygowan, to plant a total of 15 mixed-variety fruit trees.

This is the fifth orchard planted in Ards and North Down since Ards and North Down Borough Council's Tree and Woodland Strategy was launched in 2021. The initiative will see three orchards planted every year until 2032.

Orchards are hotspots for biodiversity and support many different species. They include some species of conservation concern, such as insects, birds, bees, bats, foxes and small mammals.

-- Advertisement --

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said: "In addition to supporting biodiversity, orchards are an excellent place for people to come together. They provide a community space for celebration as well as providing a source of food. I am pleased to see that this orchard has been met with so much enthusiasm by the local schools and residents, and I look forward to seeing it flourish."

Damien McKeown, NI Water Senior Project Manager, added: "NI Water is delighted to support Ards and North Down Borough Council and the local residents' association in Ballygowan by clearing and preparing this area for tree planting as part of our wider landscaping works around the new wastewater treatment facility.

"On behalf of our project team from GEDA, Water Solutions Ireland and Tetra Tech, NI Water would take this opportunity to thank the residents of Dickson Park and the wider community for their support and co-operation throughout the construction of the new state-of-the-art treatment works which will support local development and deliver environmental benefits for many years to come."