Sewing the first seeds at Cornfield

The Cornfield Project, an idea from Aspire Community Partnership, was announced as the Northern Ireland flagship project for Grow Wild, the UK-wide wild flower programme last November.

Since winning a public vote to secure the funding, work behind the scenes has been frantic ahead of a major transformation of the site throughout this summer.

Last week some of the first preparatory planting took place, marking the beginning of wild flower sowing season, as project manager Catherine Armstrong visited various local places to help sow seeds that will eventually be planted in the wonderful landscape between the two estates.

Members of Millburn Sunbeam Over 50s, Ballysally Growing Places Project, and children at Ballysally Nursery and at Focus on Family Creche, all took part, sowing trays of wild flowers that will soon be planted on site.

At the same time, the Probationary Board took part in a litter clean up of the Cornfield, part of preparation ahead of a busy summer.

Aspire is aiming to bring The Cornfield, a currently underused site, to life, making it a place full of children’s laughter, wildlife and beauty by bringing people together to enjoy wildflowers and being outdoors. The project plans to create opportunities for learning, new skills and hobbies to benefit everyone in Coleraine and the surrounding area.

Project Manager Catherine Armstrong said: “A lot of hard work from staff and volunteers has already gone in to preparing the site, with much more to come, and it is great to now arrive at the beginning stages of planting.