Community garden opened in Dunamanagh

A SPECIAL delegation has visited the cross-community environmental hub in Dunamanagh to open a new community garden.

Omagh woman, Margaret Geelan, officially opened the McGill garden which is named after her late father and mother, who played a huge contribution to the creation of this new community space, and a tree was planted to mark the occasion.

The McGill family have played a key role in promoting awareness about the importance of protecting and enhancing the wildlife and natural resources of the Dennett Valley.

The new sign above the entrance to the McGill Garden highlights the immense contribution the family have made to Community Development works over many decades in the local area.

The group included representatives of the Executive Office, Derry City and Strabane District Council.

“They were welcomed by the Board of Trustees from the Dennett Valley Health Network, who have been working in partnership with Council and TEO on the T:BUC Trees Initiative as part of Council’s wider Good Relations Programme.

Council Good Relations Officer Pauline O’Neill said, “I want to thank the McGill family and our partners in the Executive Office for their ongoing commitment to improving community relations and creating shared green spaces for all to enjoy.

“The McGill garden is a fantastic addition to the community environmental hub here in Dunamanagh, and builds on the wonderful work that the McGill family have done over the years to support the local community.”

The group also found out more about the work being carried out locally though the T:BUC (Together Building a United Community) Trees Initiative.

It encourages young people in particular to engage in tree-planting promoting sustainability and enhancing local areas.