A new chapter in community climate action was celebrated as the Acorn Farm Gate Lodge Garden at St Columb's Park was officially opened by the Mayor of L'Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Lilian Seenoi Barr.

The garden, designed to promote sustainable food practices and environmental learning, is part of the larger Acorn Farm Project. This initiative is backed by significant funding from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund and the UK Government, and aims to connect people with the land, food, and each other.

Mayor Barr marked the occasion alongside pupils from St Anne's Primary School, who explored the growing cycles of plants, tried freshly harvested produce, and gained hands-on experience with seed planting.

The Gate Lodge Garden has been created as a welcoming space for local communities, families, and food producers to engage with healthy eating, climate-friendly education, and sustainable living. It will also serve as a hub for the Acorn Farm's broader programme of events, workshops, and community outreach.

Mayor Barr said: "There is a fantastic array of produce already being grown, and local people can draw on the expertise from local horticulturists and other experienced growers. Congratulations to everyone involved in realising this wonderful new green space."

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The Acorn Farm project is being delivered by a collaborative partnership including Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Conservation Volunteers, Developing Healthy Communities, and Community Garden Support.

Paul Sweeney, Northern Ireland Chair of The National Lottery Community Fund, said: "I am delighted to be at the Gate Lodge Gardens today for the official opening and to see the progress made so far in the Acorn Farm Project, which has been supported by over £2 million of National Lottery funding.

"A priority of The National Lottery Community Fund's strategy to 2030 is to support communities in becoming environmentally sustainable. Innovative and ambitious projects like Acorn Farm are a fantastic example of our funding being put into action by communities, by creating a movement and helping develop more sustainable and responsible ways of sourcing and producing food.

"Well done to everyone involved in developing this community hub which will boost mental health, encourage physical activity and build stronger community connections."

Shauna Kelpie of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: "What we see here today is the culmination of outstanding collaboration between partner organisations committed to improving the lives of local people and our environment through access to more sustainable food choices. This project kick starts so many 'green focused' activities and will be life changing for so many families now and into the future."

With a total investment of £6.2 million in capital infrastructure from the UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council, and over £2 million in programme funding from The National Lottery Community Fund, the Acorn Farm Project is empowering people to take meaningful climate action through food choices—supporting better health outcomes and a more sustainable future.