WEST Belfast-based Natural World Products has teamed up with the GAA to support the participation of clubs from across the North in the Sporting Nature programme.
Natural World Products (NWP) is Ireland’s leading recycler of organic waste. It manages over 300,000 tonnes of household organics each year across the island of Ireland and has diverted more than two million tonnes of organic waste from landfill over the past decade.
Delivered by Ulster GAA in association with the Royal Society Protection of Birds (RSPB) and NI Water, Sporting Nature aims to make it easier for GAA volunteers to support climate and sustainability practices, creating a more eco-friendly culture across clubs and the wider community.
Funded by The National Lottery, the project is offering training, help and advice to raise awareness, change behaviours and produce action on biodiversity and protecting water sources throughout the GAA club network.
Welcoming the donation of compost from Natural World Products to support the participation of Michael Davitt GAC, West Belfast in Sporting Nature, Noel Gorman, Committee Member and Green Club Lead, said: “Sporting Nature has had a visible impact on the physical environment of our club facilities, through the creation of wildflower meadows, tree planting, and natural habitats and the introduction of biodiversity features like bird boxes and a bug hotel and improvements to walkways and green spaces around our pitch.
"The programme encourages families and schools to engage with the club grounds and helps position the club as a local leader in climate and biodiversity action, strengthening the idea of the organisation as a shared hub for community wellbeing and environmental awareness, not just a sports venue.
"The compost donated by Natural World Products will be used to support ongoing biodiversity and sustainability projects at the club, including enhancing wildflower and planting areas, improving soil quality to help wildflowers, trees, and shrubs establish and thrive, developing new planting zones, maintaining existing habitats and supporting the creation of additional green spaces.”
Sharon McMaster, Community Growing and Outreach Manager with Natural World Products, explained more about the company’s support of Sporting Nature.
“At Natural World Products, we’re passionate about supporting projects that make a positive difference in local communities and the environment," she said.
"That’s why we’re proud to support Sporting Nature, an initiative that helps GAA clubs across Northern Ireland create spaces for nature, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.
"This year, we donated peat-free compost to six clubs taking part in the Sporting Nature programme, helping them develop community gardens, growing spaces, and habitats that benefit both people and wildlife."
