Sowing the seeds to transform a Coleraine landscape

Coleraine’s ‘Cornfield Project’ has been shortlisted as one of just three Northern Ireland finalists in the Grow Wild community project awards, competing with projects in Belfast and Londonderry/Derry.

The candidate – an area of land that includes the Woodland Trust’s Cornfield Wood – sits on the eastern edge of the town, between Millburn Estate and Ballysally Estate.  And, if victorious, would undergo a huge makeover with a Grow Wild award of £120,000.

The mission is to bring communities and individuals together, with the collective aim of transforming, enjoying and maintaining a budding natural resource. 

Wildflowers are at the heart of the project. Picture a glorious explosion of colour, guaranteed to brighten moods, as well as the landscape; and sure to attract wildlife, starting with our precious pollinators.

Sensitive landscaping would include additional saplings, new and improved walkways, sensory gardens, community allotments and outdoor classrooms. 

Brendan Patterson, manager with Focus on Family, is one of the driving forces behind the Cornfield project and says: “We’re so excited about this project – to see how far we’ve come from our initial ideas to where we’re at today is amazing!  We’ve had so much support, not least from our friends at the Woodland Trust, and together we aim to make this project a reality.  We’re giving people of all ages, young and old, the opportunity to grow minds and aspirations as well as flowers and vegetables here. The realisation of this project would really mean so much for our local children and families. Please help us by voting from 6th October onwards.”

Patrick Cregg, director of the Woodland Trust, adds: “If successful, this would be a tremendous boost for the landscape, environment and wildlife. It would be a breath of fresh air – quite literally – for people of all ages, with the potential to facilitate both physical and mental well-being.”

To give Cornfield your vote, call 0808 228 7703 (calls are free of charge) or head to www.voteni.growwilduk.com/thecornfieldproject

The voting period starts from 8am on Tuesday 6 October and runs until Sunday 1 November.