Ards and North Down Borough Council Opens Applications for "In Bloom" Funding

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to announce that applications for this year's "In Bloom" Funding Programme will open on Thursday 5 February 2026. The scheme supports community‑led horticultural projects across the Borough, with funding available for essential items such as plants, bulbs, compost, planters, and gardening tools.

The initiative aims to enhance local green spaces, promote sustainable gardening practices, and encourage community involvement.

Community groups applying for support should demonstrate how their project meets the following criteria:

• Meet the core objectives of Ards and North Down in Bloom by focusing on the key criteria: Horticultural, Environment, and Community.
• Projects should help to instil local pride, create awareness of the environment and biodiversity, encourages cross community participation and involvement for those of all ages and abilities.
• Provide a vision as to how the funding will enhance the particular areas and how this will be sustained in subsequent years.
• Evidence of approval from relevant landowner where works are to be carried out.
• Where appropriate insurance liability cover is in place, copy of certificate and schedule to be submitted. 
• How the works are to be carried out, and by whom.
• Detailed breakdown of how funding will be utilised, and receipts submitted accordingly.

Ards and North Down Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum said:

"The 'In Bloom' initiative reflects the very best of our community spirit here in Ards and North Down. Every year, residents, volunteers, and local groups come together to make our city, towns, villages, and shared spaces more vibrant, more welcoming, and more environmentally sustainable. I am continually inspired by the dedication of those who invest their time and passion into enhancing our Borough.

I would encourage community groups of all sizes to apply for this funding. Together, we can continue to nurture pride in our neighbourhoods and create beautiful, biodiverse spaces for everyone to enjoy."

For more information and how to apply, please visit In Bloom Funding - Ards and North Down Borough Council

Photo caption - Ards and North Down Mayor Councillor Gillian McCollum joined by L-R Sandra Henderson, Ruth-Anne Strotten, Louis Gilmore and Liz Elliot from the Ballywalter Community Action Group.