Grow
Let's Grow Together
The benefits of growing your own food are many, from improved mental health to reduced carbon footprints and saving money to meeting new friends. Food is one thing that unites us all and improving our relationship with food can be transformative.
In 2021 the Council agreed a Food Growing Strategy called Let's Grow Together, which recognises the importance of sustainable community food growing and the many benefits gained by doing so.
If you would like to take part in our community initiatives across the borough please contact us on 0300 013 3333 or email andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Allotments
Community allotments can provide several benefits to individuals, such as the opportunity to produce a wide range of relatively inexpensive healthy vegetables, whilst at the same time providing physical exercise in the outdoors. It can create the opportunity to make new friends and provide the chance to socialise with others who enjoy a similar rewarding pastime.
The benefits of having your own allotment:
- Pleasure of seeing what you sow grow to maturity
- Exercise and a healthier lifestyle
- Fresh air, peace and quiet
- Opportunity to meet new friends
- Eat your own fresh and organic produce
Council has one allotment site in Bangor. To join the waiting list please contact us on 0300 013 3333 or email andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
Starting a School Growing Club
Applications are now open for the Ards and North Down Borough Council School Growing Clubs Programme 2025/26!
Schools Growing Club connect classroom learning with hands-on outdoor experiences, helping pupils discover where food comes from and how to care for the environment.
Through a series of free, fun, practical workshops delivered by Ards and North Down Parks and Cemeteries team (January/ February -June), pupils and teachers prepare, plant, grow, and harvest herbs, vegetables, and flowers—culminating in creating their own "pizza garden" and celebrating using the food they've grown.
Participating schools will:
- Receive a four-session guided programme delivered by Council staff (January/ February-June 2026)
- Be provided with a starter kit of tools, seeds, and learning resources
- Join a network of local Growing Schools
The programme is open to all primary schools, special education schools, and secondary schools. Please note: four primary/special education schools and one secondary school will be selected to take part. There's no requirement for a large outdoor space—activities can be adapted to suit your setting. Even a small courtyard, containers, or planters can be enough.
Please see Information Pack below for an overview of the programme and additional support
How to apply
Please complete the Application Form digitally by 20th November 2025 Schools Growing Club Application Form 2025-26 - Ards and North Down Borough Council - Citizen Space
Successful schools will be notified in November and supported to prepare for the start of the programme in February 2026.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your application, please get in touch.
We can't wait to see more schools across the Borough growing and learning together.
Please contact the Parks Service (t: 0300 013 3333 or e: andparks@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk)
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