Volunteers Required

When: Monday 2nd August to Sunday 8th August

Where: Along the Connswater Community Greenway

Researchers at Queen's University Belfast are working with East Belfast Partnership and the local community to carry out an international piece of research investigating the potential health benefits of the Connswater Community Greenway. Part of the study requires collecting information on the current use of the parks and walkways in the Connswater Community Greenway area.

We are looking for around 20 volunteers to help us collect this information. The study is due to start on Monday 2nd August and lasts for 7 days (Monday- Sunday). We will be collecting information on, for example, number of people walking/ cycling, from 7 different areas along the Greenway.

You will be asked to record users of specific areas at four 1 hour time periods (7:30 a.m.; 12:30 p.m.: 3:30 p.m.; 6:30 p.m.) each day for 7 consecutive days.

All volunteers will be provided with a complementary fleece, umbrella, pedometer, lunch and high street vouchers.

Full training will be provided and is taking place on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th July from 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. (Venue: Connswater Community Greenway office, 274 Newtownards Road)

If you are interested in taking part please contact Ruth Hunter ( tel: 07530370171; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

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CCG Community Activities Grant

The Connswater Community Greenway Team is delighted to announce that this year's Community Activity Grants Programme is now open for applications.

The purpose of the programme is to raise awareness of the Connswater Community Greenway Project and to attract people to the area.

Grants are available of between £50 and £500 for activities that support the aims of the CCG.

The closing date for applications is Friday 14th May 2010.

Anyone requiring further information or an application form should contact Sean Brannigan, Community Engagement Officer on 9046 7930 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Have a look at some of the previous Community Activity Grants events held along the Greenway route here.

We would be delighted if you could join us on Saturday 1st May 2010 (Bank Holiday weekend) as we walk from Victoria Park to Cregagh Glen for a picnic at Lisnabreeny Rath with its spectacular views out over Belfast and the Lough.

When: Saturday 1st May 2010, 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m.

Where: Victoria Park to Cregagh Glen (meeting at Victoria Park)

Previous walks have proved to be both popular and fun and we anticipate this one being no different.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact either Heather or Sean at 90467925 or 90467930 or by e-mail ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to reserve a place and enable us to facilitate catering.

Please feel free to download the poster below and distribute to anyone you think may be interested.

Bluebell Walk Poster

Walk to Work Week

Why not join the Connswater Community Greenway and Connswater Shopping Centre and take part in walk to work week by taking a lunchtime stroll.

As part of National Walk to Work week Business in the Community is encouraging its member companies to get their employees to join in a fun and healthy lunchtime activity.

The Connswater Community Greenway, along with Connswater Shopping Centre have organised a Walk to Work Week event, taking place on Monday 26th April at 12:30 p.m. This will involve a short lunchtime walk beginning at Connswater Shopping Centre and walking to the Hollow at Elmgrove.

While this is a fun activity it is anticipated that such an event will encourage staff, members and groups to take up a simple lunchtime activity such as walking thus improving their general health and fitness.

FREE pedometers for the first 100 people to register with Heather at Connswater Community Greenway (9046 7625 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )

OR

FREE T Shirts for the first 100 people to register at Connswater Shopping Centre or online at www.connswater.co.uk

Please feel free to download the poster below and distribute to anyone you think may be interested in attending.

Walk to Work Week Poster

Volunteering Opportunities

Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland (CVNI) has been appointed to deliver an integrated volunteer training and activity programme. CVNI has over 20 years experience in helping local people improve their environment and has delivered a number of volunteering activities and training programmes in East Belfast, meaning they have well established links within the local community.

CVNI has developed a number of volunteer taster sessions. These represent a wonderful opportunity for local people to develop their ecological, horticultural and environmental skills.

Bulb Planting, Victoria Park           Saturday 14th November 2009    10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

This will involve planting a range of native bulbs including bluebells, snowdrops and wild garlic. This will be a great opportunity to be involved with a biodicersity project within a beautiful park in East Belfast. The planting is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.

Treeplanting, Dixon Playing Fields   Saturday 28th November 2009   10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

This will involve planting a range of native trees as part of National Tree week. This event is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.

Eden Allotments, Carrickfergus  THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO GROUND CONDITIONS AND WILL NOW TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY 13TH FEBRUARY   Saturday 16th January 2010    10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

Start the year with a health kick and join us in a site visit to Eden allotments, the largest allotment site in Ireland. The site visit will include a tour of the allotment site and a workshop on Organic Gardening for Beginners. Places are limited so please book your place. Transport will be provided.

Victoria Day Centre, Dee Steet     Saturday 6th February 2010     10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

Help to restore this community garden and create an area for growing organic fruit and vegetables. Build on your knowledge of organic gardening and learn new horticultural skills while providing a space for growing for local residents. The work will also involve cutting back overgrown vegetation and constructing raised planters. This is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.

Gorse clearance, Cregagh Glen    Saturday 13th March 2010   10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

Clearing areas of gorse within the Glen to control the invasive species and help promote the biodiversity of the area. This will involve cutting back and removing a number of gorse bushes while enjoying the beautiful scenic view over the city of Belfast. This is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.

Wildflower planting, Victoria Park   Saturday 27th March 2010    10.30 a.m.- 3.30 p.m.

Planting a range of native flowers to help improve the biodiversity of the park. Species planted till include ragged robin, ox eye daisies, red campion and self heal. This is suitable for all ages and everyone is welcome.

For more information on any of the above sessions please contact Helen at Conservation Volunteers on: 9064 5169 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   alternatively contact Sean at CCG on: 9046 7930 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Pedalling Picnic

Friday 28th August 2009                                             

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Meeting at Victoria Park

Join us on a free family cycle along the Connswater Community Greenway route from Victoria Park to Holywood Arches then along the Comber Greenway for a picnic.

To book your place on this event please contact the Connswater Community Greenway team on 9046 7925. Numbers will be limited to approximately 30 please book early.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

All participants must wear a helmet (if you need to borrow a helmet give us a call)

Download event poster here