Cushendun village green reopens!

A Co Antrim village has celebrated the re-opening of a redeveloped outdoor recreational space.

 On Friday, a ceremony was held to mark the transformation of Cushendun’s Village Green into a beautiful area for all to enjoy.

 The project saw involvement from all aspects of the local community including residents and schoolchildren, as well as National Trust rangers, staff, and volunteers.

The conservation charity has cared for most of this picturesque coastal village since 1954, including the historic Glenmona House and the parkland that surrounds it.

 Emma Cunningham, General Manager for National Trust’s north coast properties, said: "Cushendun means a great deal to us here at the Trust. With its rich history and natural beauty, this village is truly one of our gems on the coast.

 "We are delighted to see the Village Green be opened to the community once again, and we hope villagers and visitors alike will be able to make the most of this beautiful outdoor space for years to come."

 Historically, a village green is a common area that provides an open-aired meeting place for local people and public celebrations - much like Friday's event.

 After enjoying a few refreshments in The Old Church Centre, a former religious building that now houses a heritage and arts community hub, the crowd headed towards centre of the village for the re-opening celebration.

 The ceremony was led by the National Trust's gardener on the north coast Una Quinn and BBC Radio Ulster presenter David Maxwell. After saying a few words, the host of Gardeners' Corner cut a ceremonial ribbon to officially open the space to the community.

 The redevelopment was supported by the Community Renewal Fund from the former Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities - now known as the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

 Improvements include the installation of a new accessible path, benches, a small paved area, and a dedicated area for a Christmas tree. Many of the plants now on display in the Village Green were provided by the National Trust's Plant Conservation Centre at Mount Stewart.

 Gardener Una Quinn said: "All plants here have been grown and sourced in Northern Ireland.

 "When next Spring arrives, coastal perennials will emerge and blossom from the edged border grasses in a scatter of white, blue, yellow and pink."

 She continued: "I hope the village children who helped plant the garden will venture through the gates, explore, play and see the space grow and thrive over time."

The National Trust is the largest conservation charity in Europe. It looks after places of natural beauty and historical significance across Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The organisation cares for many properties along Northern Ireland’s coastline including Cushendun and Portstewart Strand, as well as Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.