PEACEPLUS funds new Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust nature initiative

A new cross-community initiative designed to connect people through nature and  environmental action has been launched by the Causeway Coast and Glens  Heritage Trust (CCGHT), on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC). 

The Nature and Environment Project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme  managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and forms part of the  ‘Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities’ investment area. The project will run  until September 2027. 

With a goal to engage more than 240 participants of all ages, the initiative uses  nature and environmental activity as a tool to build stronger, more sustainable, and  more connected communities. 

Through a range of hands-on activities, participants will gain practical skills they can  use in everyday life and share with others in their community. The project will deepen  connections to the local environment while promoting sustainability, biodiversity, and  community wellbeing. 

Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust Project Manager Grace McAlister explained  why local people should get involved in exploring their own nature and environment  ideas through the project: “Getting involved gives you practical skills and everyday know-how you can  share with your community. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and the  place you live - but most of all, it brings people together from all walks of life to  build peace and a shared sense of purpose, which is what PEACEPLUS is all  about.”

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The Nature and Environment youth programmes are already underway and earlier this summer, 14 young people aged 16–24 from across the borough took part in a  week-long environmental residential at Magilligan Field Centre, delivered by Ulster Wildlife.

During the programme, they explored biodiversity through activities such as  native tree identification, moth trapping, squirrel box building, and a cross-border visit  to Greencastle to study coastal ecology. The experience helped participants develop  valuable environmental skills and knowledge, supported future education and career opportunities, and counted towards the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award or Gaisce – The  President’s Award. The residential will run again in Summer 2026. 

Another programme, Sow, Grow, Eat, began in September 2025 and will run  throughout the school year. It will involve Primary 3 and 4 pupils initially from  Bushmills Primary School in monthly hands-on sessions exploring the journey of  food from soil to plate.

Delivered by Broughgammon Farm and supported by  Bushmills Community Garden, the children will grow and harvest crops, learn about  composting, biodiversity, and food culture, and share their experiences at a final  community feast celebrating seasonal eating and local traditions. 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councillor Philip Anderson (and PEACEPLUS  Board Member) said: “This Causeway Coast & Glens PEACEPLUS project plays role in fostering a  deeper connection with nature, while simultaneously promoting mental well being.

“It offers participants the opportunity to engage meaningfully with the natural world, encouraging mindfulness, reducing stress, and enhancing  overall emotional resilience. In addition, the project cultivates a sense of  environmental stewardship by teaching respect for the local ecosystem and  practical ways to protect and preserve it for future generations." 

The Nature and Environment Project team are currently developing new  programmes and actively seeking ideas, collaborations, and participants of all ages. 

Whether you're part of a local group interested in exploring an environmental issue,  or someone eager to volunteer on environment initiatives throughout the borough,  we want to hear from you.  

For more information contact manus@ccght.org or go to causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/nature-environmental.

Further information about CCGHT is available here: CCGHT Prospectus.