Community Award Winners
The 2026 Live Here Love Here Community Awards winners
Bright Future Award
Celebrating a promising new community group (formed under 3 years) that has shown exceptional potential and enthusiasm in environmental volunteering.
Winner: Crossgar Village Greens
Runner Up: Tyrone Underwater Search & Recovery
Community Together Award
Recognising a group that has made notable efforts to break down barriers and promote good community relations through inclusive environmental action.
Winner: Culmore Community Partnership
Runner Up: Wildflower Alley Queens Quarter
Lasting Contribution Award
Honouring a community group (formed 5 years and over) that has consistently demonstrated outstanding environmental stewardship and a long-term commitment to their local area through sustained volunteer efforts.
Winner: Ballynure in Bloom Community Groups
Runner Up: Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens
Regional Community Champions Award
For community groups volunteering within a Live Here Love Here partner council area in Northern Ireland.
Community Champions – Antrim and Newtownabbey
Winner: River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company
Runner Up: Tidy Randalstown
Community Champions – Ards and North Down
Winner: Portaferry in Bloom
Runner Up: 9th Bangor Scouts
Community Champions – Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon
Winner: Higher Ground Community Gardening Group
Runner Up: Blackwater Paddle Sports
Community Champions – Belfast City
Winner: Orchardville Volunteer Inclusion Project
Runner Up: Upper Springfield Resource Centre
Community Champions – Derry City and Strabane
Winner: Hive Cancer Support
Runner Up: North West Red Squirrel Group
Community Champions – Fermanagh and Omagh
Winner: Owenkillew Community Centre
Runner Up: Rouskey Community & Development Association
Community Champions – Lisburn and Castlereagh City
Winner: Carryduff Regeneration Forum
Runner Up: Hillsborough Garden Volunteers
Community Champions – Mid and east Antrim
Winner: Charles Sheils Community
Runner Up: Cullybackey Community Partnership
Community Champions – Mid Ulster
Winner: Donaghmore Horticultural Community
Runner Up: Tullymeadow Community Association
Community Champions – Newry, Mourne and Down
Winner: Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry (Portadown Branch)
Runner Up: Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group