Rams Island team picks up environmental award

LIVE Here Love Here has announced the Antrim and Newtownabbey winners at its 2026 Community Awards.

The event was held on February 19 at Belfast City Hall and hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon.

The Live Here Love Here Community Awards – delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – recognise outstanding voluntary action tackling pressing environmental challenges, including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change.

On the night, 13 awards were presented.

River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company was announced as the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Regional Champion in recognition of its decade-long dedication to restoring habitats, protecting wildlife and improving the natural and cultural heritage of Rams Island on Lough Neagh.

Through weekly conservation work and monthly community action days, the group tackles litter, restores habitats, maintains paths and controls invasive species. Their perseverance – particularly in continuing the vision of their late founder, Michael Savage – has created cleaner shorelines, richer biodiversity, stronger community engagement and a lasting positive impact on Lough Neagh.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said: “Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to be involved in and recognised at the Live Here Love Here Annual Community Awards. I want to pay tribute to the custodians of our Borough who work tirelessly to protect and enhance our local environment. From the vital work of the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company in safeguarding Lough Neagh in the face of ongoing environmental challenges, to the visually transformative efforts of the dedicated Tidy Randalstown team, we are deeply grateful.

“The Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens and Ballynure Residents Association play an essential role in our communities, making a lasting difference by improving biodiversity and enhancing our shared spaces. Congratulations to them all.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey runner-up Tidy Randalstown was praised for its year-round dedication to transforming the town through sustainable planting, vibrant community gardens and thousands of volunteer hours that have strengthened civic pride, wellbeing and environmental stewardship.

The district also celebrated success in the special award categories, with Ballynure In Bloom winning the prestigious Lasting Contribution Award.

In the same category, runner-up Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens was recognised for its long-standing commitment to maintaining and enhancing the historic gardens as a vibrant, biodiverse community space.

Speaking about the role of the awards in highlighting the impact of everyday community action, Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally.

“Groups like Rams Island Conservation Volunteers, Tidy Randalstown and Ballynure In Bloom show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference – from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to enhancing shared spaces and strengthening community pride. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up.”