Welcome to new signatories to the #savebotanicmeadow petition (of whom there are more everyday) and renewed thanks to our longer standing supporters.
It has been some time since the last update. During this time, the meadow has wonderfully transformed into a glorious display of natural colour and busy wildlife. At the same time, there has been a distinct lack of information and movement from Belfast City Council.
All Belfast is still waiting for the publication of the Pitches Strategy, which is the purported grounds for the decision to put a pitch on Lower Botanic Gardens. And for the meadow itself, we are told that the study to consider the feasibility of a 'compromise solution' is still yet to be completed. Whenever we have news of either, we will share it in an update.
In the meantime, we are neither complacent nor reassured. We are working with others for what will be a long haul, no doubt. Your support makes all the difference. Please do keep writing to councillors, as this is an effective way to convey the message that properly green, open-to-all spaces are public goods that are valued and important.
And we are cherishing the delights of the meadow and seeing others do so too. Indeed, we are delighted to announce a Big Butterfly Count will take place in the meadow on Saturday 25th July 10am-2pm. A free event suitable for all the family, in conjunction with the Butterfly Conservation Trust - please pop by for as long as you fancy, to learn more about the nature that is thriving in the meadow - and to help us count it!
Finally, we are keeping the website updated, so you can follow along there: https://botanicmeadow.com/
And if you have photos or stories to share, or would like to be more directly involved, please email: botanicmeadow@proton.me
Thank you - and enjoy the summer!