Bessy Bell 2 Wind Farm

In Drumlegagh a simple idea to build a polytunnel has blossomed into something much bigger. With support from SSE Renewables Bessy Bell 2 Fund, the Drumlegagh Community Group installed a 20 ft x 14 ft polytunnel, complete with raised beds and a workbench, to grow vegetables and flowers for the village.

Despite weather delays in spring 2024, the tunnel was completed by the end of June. Thanks to plant donations from residents, the newly formed gardening club quickly got to work growing tomatoes, peppers and salad crops for community use.

Society is at the heart of the project and club members are learning to take cuttings and grow from seeds, reducing the need to purchase plants in future seasons. This hands on, eco-friendly approach ensures the garden can thrive for years to come.

What was once an unused green space has been transformed into a vibrant community garden, improving the village’s appearance and boosting local pride. Residents have praised the new floral displays, and the groups innovation has caught the attention of the local council, earning Drumlegagh the Welcome Award for Northern Ireland Best Kept awards 2024 and nominations for the 2025 and 2025 Ulster in Bloom competition.

With the ever-present struggle to source funding for seasonal planting, the polytunnel offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for the future. More than that, it has become a space for connection, wellbeing, and shared purpose.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support from SSE Renewables, this project has done so much more than provide a space to grow plants. It is transformed an unused area into a vibrant community hub, brought people together, and sparked real pride in our village. This tunnel doesn't just grow plants, it grows connections.”

Judy Lafferty, Chair, Drumlegagh Community Group

With the turbines of Bessy Bell 2 Wind Farm visible in the hills, 60 children from Newtownstewart Primary School and St. Theresa’s came together for unique day of creativity and environmental exploration at Baronscourt Estate.

Organised by The Pushkin Trust and supported by SSE Renewables Community Fund, the Hitching the Sails workshop blended environmental education with the creative arts. The funding enabled The Pushkin Trust to engage a team of professional facilitators, three nature guides, a creative writer, a dancer, and a musician who delivered a high-quality, inspiring experience for the children.

Each child took part in two workshops over the course of the day, one environmental and one creative. The sessions explored the themes of air, wind, energy and movement, sparking conversations about sustainability, emotions, and imagination. The children, aged 10 -11 participated fully, met peers from different schools, and experienced both the natural landscape and the arts in new and meaningful ways.

While the day offered immediate enjoyment and learning, the long-term potential is far greater. These young children were introduced to professional artists and nature experts, and the cross-community aspect encouraged new connections and mutual understanding between schools.

In total, eight Baronscourt Days were held, following the same successful format.

“We are so grateful for the support that made this project possible. We saw enthusiasm, creativity, and connection blossom. The friendships formed and ideas sparked may have lasting impact. It was a joyful inspiring project that truly met our goals.”

Denise Mullan, Office Manager, The Pushkin Trust

Given the rural location of Newtownstewart Golf Club outwith any nearby villages, it was recognised that access to medical provision until support from the emergency services arrives was important. The donation from the Bessy Bell Community Fund has enabled Newtownstewart Golf Club to purchase a defibrillator for the club and surrounding area.

In an emergency, if a defibrillator can be used within the first five minutes, the survival rate can be as high as 74%. The defibrillator is located at the clubhouse which is easily accessible at any time and local volunteers have been trained on how to use the equipment to ensure the community is ready to respond in the event of an emergency.

"We hope this new defibrillator will never have to be used but in the event it will provide an extra level of help and protection for our golfers and for other people in the immediate area.”

Ian Beattie, Captain, Newtownstewart Golf Club