Derry and Strabane environmental champions celebrated at prestigious awards

Derry and Strabane’s dedicated environmental volunteers took centre stage at the 2026 Live Here Love Here Community Awards on February 19. Hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon at Belfast City Hall, the event celebrated the "people-powered" movement that drives civic pride across Northern Ireland.

The ceremony brought together community volunteers, council representatives, environmental organisations and partners to recognise the essential work being done to protect and enhance the natural and built environments in the Derry and Strabane districts.

The Live Here Love Here Community Awards – delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – recognise outstanding voluntary action tackling some of our most pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.

On the night, 13 awards were presented, including Regional Champion Awards for each participating council area, as well as three special awards recognising long-term impact, community inclusion and emerging environmental leadership: the Bright Future Award, the Community Together Award and the Lasting Contribution Award.

Hive Cancer Support was announced as the Derry and Strabane District Council Regional Champion in recognition of its exceptional commitment to combining environmental restoration with health and wellbeing initiatives. Through its thriving allotment, the group supports cancer thrivers, carers and the wider community by promoting organic gardening, biodiversity projects and accessible nature-based activities. 

Culmore Community Partnership proudly receives the Community Together Award

Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, said: “I warmly congratulate Hive Cancer Support on being named Derry and Strabane Regional Champions at the Live Here Love Here Community Awards. This is a fantastic acknowledgement of the group’s inspiring work to promote environmental restoration, health and wellbeing, and community support. 

“I also commend the North West Red Squirrel Group and Culmore Community Partnership for their outstanding commitment to protecting our environment and strengthening community pride across the district. These groups exemplify the very best of community spirit.”

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Derry and Strabane runner-up North West Red Squirrel Group was praised for its 15 years of dedicated conservation work protecting the endangered red squirrel population in Muff Glen and surrounding woodlands. The group carries out weekly feeding, habitat monitoring, grey squirrel control, litter picks and educational outreach, while also delivering talks, events and volunteer training.

The district also celebrated success in the special award categories, with Culmore Community Partnership winning the Community Together Award – sponsored by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive – for its litter-picking programme.

Volunteers from the North West Red Squirrel Group mark their runner-up success

The group brings residents of all ages together to care for local spaces and protect wildlife, fostering civic pride along the way. Their inclusive approach, combined with environmental education and consistent volunteer effort, has delivered lasting social and environmental benefits.

Speaking about the role of the awards in highlighting the impact of everyday community action, Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.

North West Red Squirrel Group

"Groups like Hive Cancer Support, North West Red Squirrel Group and Culmore Community Partnership show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to improving wellbeing and building stronger, more connected communities. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”

She concluded: “Live Here Love Here is about supporting people to take pride in where they live and to care for their local environment. We are incredibly grateful to DAERA, our council partners, the Housing Executive and our sponsors, Power NI and Helping Hand, for making these awards possible and helping us continue to grow environmental volunteering across Northern Ireland.”

To support the work of Live Here Love Here and other environmental programmes, visit keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org, where you can find out how to get involved or make a donation.