Killyleagh AONB Community Ambassadors
AONB & Geopark Community Ambassadors
This group is a fantastic example of what can happen when people with different backgrounds come together around a shared passion for nature, wildlife and their local community. The group joined the 2025–2026 AONB & Geopark Ambassadors Programme keen to make a difference locally, and quickly discovered that one of the greatest benefits of the programme was the opportunity to connect with like-minded communities across the AONB and UNESCO Global Geopark.
Through visits, workshops and training sessions, members shared ideas, skills and experiences with other ambassador groups, learning about different landscapes while showcasing the unique natural and cultural heritage of Killyleagh and surrounding area. These new connections have inspired fresh ideas, built confidence and created friendships that the group hopes to continue as new ambassador groups join the programme in the future.
Their community project, “Swift in the Willows,” combines creativity with practical conservation. With support from the AONB & Geopark Ambassadors Programme, the group established a small native woodland and a willow copse at Killyleagh Bridge Centre. As the willow grows, it will provide a sustainable supply of material for future weaving projects, ensuring the project continues to develop for years to come.
Members learned the traditional skill of willow weaving and created the beginnings of a collection of swift sculptures celebrating one of Strangford and Lecale AONB’s best-loved summer visitors. Meanwhile, members of the local Men’s Shed also designed and built swift nest boxes, which are now being installed around the village to provide additional nesting opportunities and help support the local swift population. A very interesting talk and presentation was given by David Thompson at the Men’s Shed as well as – along with Celia Spouncer – a seed sowing workshop in the new polytunnel at he shed … the beginnings of more education on growing food.
The whole project has brought together a wide range of local organisations, including the Men’s Shed, the Plant Share group, Killyleagh Community Association as well as, and very importantly, local schools. A tree planting day with P7 students from St Mary’s and Killyleagh Integrated Primary Schools gave pupils the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on their local environment, and the group is already planning future planting projects to continue increasing biodiversity across the area.
The enthusiasm doesn’t stop there. The group are also enthusiastic to explore citizen science opportunities along the shores of Strangford Lough using the Geopark Marine and Coastal Community Packs, helping local people discover, record and protect the incredible wildlife found on their doorstep.
Perhaps the biggest legacy of the programme has been the connections made along the way. The group are keen to stay involved with the Ambassador network, continue learning from other communities and welcome future ambassador groups to share ideas, experiences and inspiration.
What the group said
“We found the networking most valuable as well the training opportunities– it was great to see and hear what is happening elsewhere.
We are pleased to have tangible evidence of our work, in particular the trees at the Bridge Centre and schools, along with the willow planting, the weaving as well as providing homes for swifts.
It was great to have the chance to learn new skills and to have an experienced and knowledgeable person to advise and guide us.
The project has inspired us to continue the group in a way that is modest, sustainable and community-led. We look forward to building on what we’ve started.”
To find out more about whats going on in Killyleagh and Shrigley head here Killyleagh & Shrigley’s Community Connections
