Sowing seeds of recovery in Ballycastle

A community group in Ballycastle has been ‘sowing the seeds of recovery’, with over 150 green-fingered residents growing vegetables and flowers during COVID19, thanks to support from the Housing Executive.
Michael Magee, from Ballycastle Garden Centre, getting seedlings organised for ‘growing packs’ to be provided to local residents as part of the Sowing the Seeds of Recovery Project, funded through the Housing Executive’s Covid-19 Response Fund and delivered by Ballycastle Community Development GroupMichael Magee, from Ballycastle Garden Centre, getting seedlings organised for ‘growing packs’ to be provided to local residents as part of the Sowing the Seeds of Recovery Project, funded through the Housing Executive’s Covid-19 Response Fund and delivered by Ballycastle Community Development Group
Michael Magee, from Ballycastle Garden Centre, getting seedlings organised for ‘growing packs’ to be provided to local residents as part of the Sowing the Seeds of Recovery Project, funded through the Housing Executive’s Covid-19 Response Fund and delivered by Ballycastle Community Development Group

Ballycastle Community Development Group received £1,500 funding to deliver their project which is already underway. It’s one of 200 groups across local

communities who have benefitted from the Housing Executive’s £290,000 Covid-19 Response Fund.

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Paul Kerrigan, Chairperson of the Ballycastle Group, said: “We wanted to build an online community to connect residents in the Ballycastle area.

“Myself and Shauna McFall, of Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, came up with the idea of growing seeds and fruit at home, with advice and growing tips given online by Becky Cole from Broughgammon Farm.

“Our digital online hub, Ballycastle Connect, was already established, so this was a great way to build on the services available online whilst reaching out to different age groups with a small project.

“We have 150 growing packs ready for distribution, with compost, a fruit or vegetable based plant, flower seeds and details on how to get started. Once all the packs are distributed, online webinars will provide tips and advice on how to look after the seeds and watch them grow. We hope to share progress pictures online and maybe cook something with the fruit and vegetables. Prizes for the best three should bring out the competitive spirit in people!”