Funding to help “restore nature on our doorstep” has helped a south Belfast group create an outdoor energy efficient gardening facility to produce organic food and fruit.
Support received by the Knockbreda Community Wildlife Garden through the Save Our Wild Isles Community Fund has also allowed the planting of an orchard and creation of a pond.
It is one of 250 groups across the UK that had been involved in the fund, set up after WWF, the RSPB and Aviva came together.
More than £2.5 million raised across the UK with around £7,466 going towards the south Belfast garden project.
The Knockbreda Community Wildlife Garden is looked after by volunteers working together to grow food and flowers, bring wildlife back into the city, and create a space and support system where everyone is welcome.
John Warren, from the Knockbreda Community Wildlife, said “The garden has become a significant part of the community in south Belfast.
“We have established a strong volunteer force and a broad interest in wildlife and the environment.
“The process of raising the money brought people together from all backgrounds and we were able to build relationships.
“The money has enabled us to develop and expand our outreach to involve people from all parts of the community in a major programme.”
Kat Machin from WWF UK said: “Communities care deeply about protecting our precious wildlife, not just to boost local biodiversity, but also for the health and wellbeing of the people that live there.”
