Vote for bid to create river of flowers through city

‘Flowers of Foyle’ is one of three exciting proposals announced as the final shortlist for Grow Wild’s flagship project in Northern Ireland, supported by Kew Gardens and the Big Lottery Fund.

Members of the public will be asked to vote on whether to create a river of flowers spanning Londonderry, transform Belfast into a city of wildflowers, or bring two Coleraine communities - Ballysally and Millburn - together across what is currently an unused no-man’s-land.

‘Flowers of Foyle’ plans to plant a stunning “river of flowers” from Creggan Country Park down to the River Foyle, using wild flower meadows and nature paths to comprise a breath-taking flower trail.

Those behind the project say it will bring bountiful recreation, education and health benefits to Londonderry.

The citywide flower trail will take in areas of Creggan Country Park, including a former disused basketball court, which will be given the Grow Wild treatment with wild flower meadows, nature-themed paths, a living roof and growing walls; then flow down through the city to the Foyle and the quayside.

Voting begins on October 6 and will run until November 1 – and it is up to readers to allocate the funding, by supporting whichever project they think is best.

Stéphanie Baine, NI Manager for Grow Wild, said: “All of the shortlisted projects are amazing. We’re very excited about what will happen when these great schemes battle it out for the public vote. These are brilliant and unique projects – and the challenge will be choosing just one.”

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI director, said: “We are delighted with how people across Northern Ireland have made the changes they want in their communities with support from Grow Wild over the past couple of years.

“We wish all the shortlisted projects the best of luck and are looking forward to seeing the difference the winning project makes to their community.”

For more information about the flagship projects or the wider Grow Wild campaign, please visit www.growwilduk.com