What did a derelict former bonfire site ever do for the city?

Find out how a former bonfire site became a green nature filled and creative community space. And what does the future hold after 13 years?

PeasPark started life as an attempt to transform what had been a 'dangerous' space on a former interface. After a summer project that was meant to be a 'meantime' project, a band of residents, artists and people who just showed up have transformed it into a mini forest of apple trees, willows, roses, and wildflowers. It is home to badgers, foxes, and hedgehogs.

This event is a bit of thinking and doing about where the project has been, where it will go in the future. The area itself has improved but there is still considerable anti-social behaviour and dereliction that has not been addressed by private owners or agencies. We can’t afford to slip back. What can give to the area and the city as we experience multiple and increasing pressures, including political instability, climate change, and the rising cost of living?

While PeasPark is a community garden, it goes beyond that - being a site for sculpture, photography, and play, amongst many things. It is an asset to the community with the potential to change attitudes to the area.

Looking more broadly, what can we learn from thirteen years of doing all that?

What the wider contribution be? What can it do for the city?

Should there be more spaces like this?

This afternoon event will include contributions from the many individuals and organisations we have worked together over the years and will include information on permaculture, encouraging wildlife on your doorstep, food growing, planting for biodiversity, and using art, poetry, and film to engage and inform. There will also be an opportunity for path laying and weeding for those who want to.

Whether you want to know more about starting your own space or have an interest in joining the conversation about how we use space in the city come along for an afternoon of sharing company and food.

Please dress appropriately for the weather!

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Imagine! Belfast Festival of Ideas & Politics