Belfast Communities Help ‘Green the Grey’ with New Community Orchards and Urban Forest Projects

Belfast Communities Planting for a Greener Future

New Belfast community orchards and urban forest projects are helping transform underused spaces across the city into greener, healthier environments for residents.

A number of projects are now underway this spring as Belfast City Council works alongside schools, sports clubs and community groups to boost tree canopy coverage and improve biodiversity across Belfast.

The initiative follows a motion agreed by councillors in November 2025 to support more community orchards and create an “edible landscape” throughout the city as part of the council’s wider Tree Strategy.

Since then, Woodland Officers have been helping local groups identify suitable planting sites while providing expert guidance to establish long-term sustainable projects.

Ardoyne Orchard Project Targets Low Tree Cover Areas

One of the key Belfast community orchard projects is taking place in Ardoyne, an area with just 4.6% tree cover compared to Bellevue, which currently has the city’s highest canopy cover at 43.9%.

Working with the Flax older people’s group, council officers have planted fruit trees within the grounds of Ardoyne Community Centre to create a shared space for residents of all ages.

Future plans include:

• Orchard management training
• Healthy food workshops
• Community growing initiatives
• Educational activities linked to food sustainability

The project aims to improve access to green spaces while encouraging healthier lifestyles and stronger community connections.

Holy Cross Nursery School Expands Wildlife Habitat

At Holy Cross Nursery School, pupils have helped plant fruit trees alongside 150 native trees to form a new hedge area.

The planting scheme will:

• Create a wildlife habitat
• Improve biodiversity
• Provide screening from a nearby car park
• Introduce children to environmental education

The project also supports the council’s long-term goal of increasing urban tree canopy in areas where green infrastructure remains limited.

Shaw’s Bridge Orchard Created by Mixed-Ability Rugby Team

A previously underused area at Shaw’s Bridge has also been transformed into a new orchard containing apple, pear and plum trees.

The project was delivered by Malone Tornadoes, Ulster’s first mixed-ability rugby team, working alongside council Parks Outreach and Park Warden teams.

In addition to tree planting, the team helped improve the surrounding area through:

• New fencing
• Community clean-up work
• Environmental restoration

The initiative highlights how inclusive sport and environmental projects can work together to improve public spaces.

Council Says Tree Projects Benefit Health and Biodiversity

Councillor Fred Cobain, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee, said the projects are helping create a healthier and more connected Belfast.

He said:

“Spring is the perfect time to see Belfast come to life, and it’s fantastic to see communities playing such an important role in creating a greener, healthier and more connected city.”

He added that the projects not only improve biodiversity but also support physical and mental wellbeing while creating spaces for people to connect with nature locally.

Free Nature Events Across Belfast Parks

The council is also running a series of free guided walks across south Belfast parks and green spaces.

Locations include:

• Lagan Lands East
• Lower Crescent Parks
• Lagan Meadows
• Other nature-rich sites across south Belfast

Further information can be found via the Belfast City Council Events Page.

Residents interested in exploring new tree planting or orchard projects in their local area can contact the council’s Woodland and Recreation Unit via WRU@belfastcity.gov.uk.