Group members and Housing Executive Grounds staff celebrate the opening of the new Growing Space at Carlton Drive

A former patch of unused green space in Strabane's Carlton Drive has been transformed into a thriving hub of community life, thanks to a partnership between residents, the Housing Executive, and the community group Neighbours United.

Less than two months after receiving the keys to the new Carlton Drive Growing Space, Majella Reed from Neighbours United says the site is already bursting with activity. Sixteen growers are tending raised beds, while others are nurturing strawberries and tomatoes in the polytunnel, with talk already turning to expanding the beds to meet demand.

"Everyone is working really well together," said Majella. "Everyone is sharing everything, and we just immediately got stuck in taking care of the place together."

Just a few weeks in the Space is Buzzing with Activity and new growth!

The £38k project, delivered by the Housing Executive’s North Region Grounds Maintenance Department, includes a polytunnel, garden shed, summer house, seating area and raised planters, along with newly planted trees and shrubs to support local biodiversity.

But for the area’s residents, the real value of the space goes far beyond what’s growing in the ground. With people of all ages getting involved, including a child as young as three planting his own pumpkins in time for Halloween, the growing space has become a place where neighbours are getting to know one another, and where kids are learning where their food really comes from.

“The kids love it,” Majella said. “They’re so proud of themselves, carrying their wee pots and watering their plants.”

Neighbours United used a Community Involvement Grant to purchase essential equipment for the site, including potting tables and shelving for the polytunnel, a lawn mower, and child-friendly tools such as watering cans, ensuring the space is welcoming and accessible for growers of all ages and experience levels.

The gardeners are learning on the joB, with raised beds and a polytunnel planting space

“It’s been all word of mouth so far, and we’re all learning together,” Majella added. “Some people have never done anything like this before, but we’ll learn! We’re going to try it and see!”

The growing space is already making a real impact on the community.

“It’s great to see this new community space opened for the Carlton Drive residents. It will bring many benefits, giving residents a place to connect with nature, build relationships, and feel more connected to and part of their local community”, said Nuala Kildunne, Supporting Communities’ Community Development Officer for the area.

Majella agrees, adding, “People feel a real sense of pride living somewhere with such a welcoming shared space for local people and visitors to sit and enjoy fresh air and the better weather surrounded by nature. And it feels good knowing we are doing our bit to protect wildlife and the environment!”

From little shoots great things will grow!

Neighbours United was established in 2022, born out of the need to give local children something to do close to home, starting with a Christmas grotto that has since grown into a much wider programme of community activity, including a busy summer scheme. Supporting Communities’ training officer, Karla Turner, helped the group get started with community development training, while CDO Nuala Kildunne has provided ongoing support as the group takes on more responsibilities.

“Nuala is fantastic,” Majella said. “She is our main point of call for everything! We ring her for support all the time. She helped us get the Community Involvement Grant and work with the Housing Executive on this project.”

Located right across from the Neighbours United Hub, the growing space is proving to be exactly what this Strabane community needs: a place to connect, learn, and grow together.

Check out Neighbours United on Facebook to see how their garden grows!