Since autumn 2025 we have had fewer people attending Grass Roots events than normal and a number of days were cancelled due to low interest. We have therefore decided to reduce the number of practical days during 2026 and are trying to focus our members on these dates and hope to get more people out.

We are looking at ways to promote Grass Roots and find new members. This includes updating our website and Facebook. If you are able to help promote Grass Roots in any way we would love to hear from you.

No

Date/Time

                                            Activity and Location

4

Sunday 10 May

October Wood, near Carryduff - Fencing and construction work

October Wood near Carryduff is used for educational activities and is being improved for biodiversity. There is a toilet at the farmyard, a short walk from the work site.

Leader: Sam Hastings

5

Saturday 6 June

Grass Roots Summer Outing to Pomeroy Forest

We will tour the sculpture trail at Pomeroy Forest and look at some other interesting heritage sites nearby, morning coffee and lunch.

Confirm attendance with Ken Orr by 1^st June

6

Sunday 14 June

10.00 am

Rea's Wood near Antrim - Himalayan Balsam Control

Himalayan Balsam is an introduced plant which spreads aggressively and shades out other native plants and we will be pulling it out before it can set seed and spread further. Toilets and café are available at the Lough Neagh Gateway Centre, although a reasonable walk from the work site.

Leader: Janis Lunn

7

Sunday 5 July

10.00 am

Knockbracken, South Belfast - Fencing and Path Improvements

This is a community garden and allotment site at the back of Knockbracken Health Care Park. We will be making improvements to the boundary fence and some other jobs. There is a toilet at the site.

Leader: Nicola Paul

8

Friday 14 to Sunday 16 August

Inishowen, County Donegal - Dry Stone Walling

Further rebuilding work on the dry stone wall we have worked on in previous years. Located approx. 20 miles north of Derry/Londonderry City. Shared accommodation at site, or seek B&B, or attend just one day.

Contact Ken Orr for details.

9

Sunday 6 September

10.00 am

Saintfield Estate, Saintfield - Woodland Management

Saintfield Estate has extensive woodland which had become thick with laurel and rhododendron which are invasive shrubs that suppress wildflowers and other wildlife.

We will undertake further clearance of laurel and rhododendron to improve the woodlands. Toilets are available at Saintfield House, a short walk from the work site.

Leader: Sam Hastings

10

Sunday 20 September

10.00am

Ballyhornan Beach, near Strangford - Beachwatch Marine Litter Survey

Collecting and counting beach litter and rubbish, as part of the Marine Conservation Society annual UK-wide week of action to document marine litter. Toilets are available at Ballyhornan, about 800 metres from the works site.

Leader: Ken Orr

To attend any of these events phone Ken Orr at 07901 944001

or email: grassrootsni@fastmail.fm