Ballyporeen Community Council (BCC) is a dynamic community group that has led the revitalisation of the area since 1978. STDC has a long track record of supporting them to implement their development plans. Most recently, they sought funding to develop a community eco biodiversity garden and social recreational area. With LEADER funding, Ballyporeen now has a wonderful multifunctional space with wildflower meadows, trees, native shrubs, nest boxes, seating etc.
The river has been fenced off leaving a wild strip adjacent to a community walkway. There is also a hard area for tennis and handball including a practice wall. The garden has become an oasis for health and wellbeing with people of all ages and abilities visiting to relax or socialise or informally play sport. As one resident told us “We regularly walk along the path in the Community Garden. It is a pleasure to see the growth of the trees and shrubs which enhance the area and see many insects too. Our Orchard grew a few apples for its first season which was very encouraging.”
