Asda Community Champions support conservation efforts on Ram’s Island

A team of Asda’s Community Champions has rolled up their sleeves to support vital conservation work on Ram’s Island, one of Lough Neagh’s hidden natural gems.

Seven Community Champions from stores across Northern Ireland, led by Antrim’s Ashley Ritchie, visited the island to help volunteers who maintain the site, one which is entirely managed by the local community.

Ashley was joined by Ami Craig from Bangor, Linda Owens from Downpatrick, Emma Goudie Kelly from Strabane, Gail Nicholson from Larne,  Clodagh Devlin, Omagh and Lisa Cumningham from Asda Kilkeel. 

During the visit, the group spent the morning clearing Himalayan balsam, an invasive species which, if left unchecked risks quickly overtaking large areas of the island and preventing public use. Their efforts will help protect the landscape for future visitors and support ongoing biodiversity work.

Ashley said: “It was a brilliant day working alongside the volunteers. You really see how much effort goes into maintaining the island, and it felt great to play a small part in helping preserve it for the future.”

The visit also included a guided tour, including a trip to the ruins of the once-picturesque summer house built by the island’s original owner, Lord O’Neill. The team learned about the island’s history, gained insight into its diverse birdlife and explored plant species found on the island.

The initiative built on previous support from Asda Antrim, which earlier this year donated repurposed café furniture to the island following a store refurbishment.

Kevin Le Quesne, Treasurer of the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company, said:

“The work the Asda Community Champions carried out will make a real difference in the years ahead. Clearing the Himalayan balsam now helps prevent it from spreading and taking over large parts of the island. With the island run entirely by volunteers, extra support like this is invaluable.”

The visit also held personal significance for the Antrim team. The late Michael Savage, who was the driving force behind the restoration of Ram’s Island, was a much-loved regular customer at Asda Antrim before his death in 2022. A memorial bench in his honour remains on the island, offering a lasting tribute to his contribution.

Ashley added: “Michael meant a lot to the community and our store, so being able to visit the island he transformed into the beautiful 30-acre treasure it is today, was really special.”

The Ram’s Island Heritage Project is run by a Team of Volunteers from the charity the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company. Find out more at ramsisland.org