Councillor Caleb McCready, Environment and Sustainability Committee Chair, recently visited Lough Moss Community Gardens in Carryduff who are receiving compost through the Free Compost Initiative. 

Cllr McCready said: “Each year we donate compost to local community groups and schools, for use on non-profit projects through the Free Compost Initiative.  The compost is available on a first come first served basis, while stocks last.  The nutrient-rich peat-free compost is made from residents’ food and garden waste.”  

“I was delighted to call to Lough Moss Community Garden to find out how they will be using theirs.  I was amazed by the enthusiasm, dedication and skill of the volunteers.  I even picked up a few gardening tips as I helped with the spring onions!”

Volunteer Sarah Rogers said: “We’d like to thank Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for their help in establishing our community garden last year and for their kind donation of much needed compost that we will use to enrich and expand our raised beds to grow even more flowers, herbs, fruit and vegetables.”

“Our first year was a great success and we have been well supported by the local community.  We’d encourage residents to call by to check out what we are doing and enjoy this valuable community space with us.”

“We have really enjoyed watching the space come alive and sharing the experience with the local community.  It has been especially rewarding to be able to show some of the local children the grow cycle of their food and see them become more familiar with fresh, healthy foods.”

To find out more about the Free Compost Initiative and for more information on what can be recycled in your brown bin visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/binformation