Unused land facing the Falls Leisure Centre is being re-vamped, with new planters containing bedding plants and the installation of new trees and hedgerows just in time for Spring.
Over £30,000 has been spent to spruce up the vacant land, removing fencing that had been in place since the 1990’s and transforming grassland into an amenity which adds to the Falls Road tourist trail.
Children from the nearby St Peter’s Primary School in Slate Street were on-hand to help settle bedding plants and trees, as the new green area was brought to life.
Malachy Brennan, our Belfast Head of Grounds Maintenance said;
“Traditionally in Ireland, February 1, St Brigid’s Day, marks the beginning of Springtime and this was always associated with nature and the use of native reeds to make religious items.
“So it’s timely that Mother Nature is getting a boost in this part of the world, in the shadow of St Peter’s Cathedral.
“In the old Celtic Ogham calendar, the birch tree represented the first phase of the new moon cycle – they represented regeneration and re-birth – and silver birches are planted at the site.
“These grassed areas have previously attracted anti-social behaviour – things like fly tipping and small fires were common.
“The six foot fencing was also unsightly.
“When the new landscaping is completed, this will provide access to more open space for the community, as well as encouraging bio-diversity, helped by the new planting areas we have installed.
“This should reduce the burden on maintaining these areas and the anti-social behaviour that has happened in the past.
“It was great to have the children from St Joseph’s School give us a hand as well – hopefully these youngsters will help protect this land as they grow up and encourage others to respect this new community amenity.”
