…to provide an integrated and innovative facility for all sections of the community, which also enhances the economic, social and environmental aspects of life for the multiply deprived community of the Moor District Electoral Area.
Creggan Country Park’s working objective sets out:
...to improve the quality of life of those living in the North West by providing quality recreation facilities, green space rich in biodiversity and innovative training and employment opportunities at Creggan Country Park.
What we do
As a shared neutral green infrastructure space and outdoor adventure centre, the park combines to provide a platform for a programme of training and employment which addresses disadvantage by promoting inclusion and social cohesion at neighbourhood level. The park has four key priorities:
Protecting, managing and promoting the local environment
Environmental education programmes ‘Nature’s Classroom’ and 'Forest Academy'
Biodiversity and Green Infrastructure strategies led by Derry City and Strabane District Council
Continuous improvements of the site through planting, regeneration of disused areas and regular inspections/clean ups
Promoting urban regeneration through our Nature Hub
Action projects to protect priority species and enhance priority habitats
Upcycling initiatives using our old boats
Moor Environment Forum activities
Creggan Tree Nursery
Creggan Connected - Community Fridge helping to address climate change at a local level
Creating a healthy society
Providing access to attractive green spaces
Creating opportunities for outdoor recreation, particularly for families on low income
Encouraging participation in environmental conservation volunteering
Promoting inclusion and social cohesion
Ensuring access to new jobs and services
Addressing barriers to inclusion and targeting disadvantaged communities
Promoting sustainable development
Creating self-sustaining jobs
Utilising renewable energy including; biomass boiler, a hydroelectric scheme and turf roof
Providing visits to businesses, universities, colleges and international visitors
Promoting energy efficiency to visitors and staff
Environmental education workshop ‘Power from the Planet’ raises awareness on climate change and renewable energy
The Park continues to attract more visitors. Each year, over 20,000 visitors take part in nature themed activities, canoeing, environmental art, orienteering, team games, wheelyboat tour and angling lessons. 2,000 pupils taking part in environmental education each year.
Halloween, Christmas and Easter events provide additional opportunities for families and people of all ages to get outdoors to improve mental and physical health.
International delegates from Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Netherlands and Action Renewables with our Environmental Officer during a Best Practice Visit in 2015
Ethos
By providing an outdoor pursuits, education facility and green & blue space, we contribute to improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of the community. We boost the local economy through tourism and job creation and support our young people and their personal development through recreation, volunteering and work experience.
As a neutral space venue, we are used by all sections of the community and continue to promote better cross community relations.
Meet Our Team
Gerry Quinn, Manager
Gerry has been instrumental in the conception and development of Creggan Country Park since the 1980's.
Northern Ireland Biodiversity Champion, Live Here Love Here Community Awards, 2022
RFS Certificate of Merit for Education and Learning, 2021
Winner of 'Best Day Out' category at Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards, 2018
Winner of 'Best Day Out' category at Northern Ireland Hospitality Awards, 2017
Winner of UK Grow Wild Award in Creative Transformation Category, 2015
Winner Junior Chamber of Commerce Award for Social Enterprise, 2015
Winner Best Social Economy at Social Enterprise NI Awards, 2013
Winner of 'Environment Category' at Derry City Business Awards, 2010-2013
Winner of 'Most Energy Efficient Community Initiative' at the Northern Ireland Housing Executive Home Energy Awards, 2009
Winner 'Environment Category' Derry City Business Awards, 2009
Runner Up in 'Natural & Built Heritage' Category at Pride of Place Awards, 2009 – Creggan Country Park represented Derry at Pride of Place awards 2009 and was awarded runner up in the Environment category. Pride of Place is an all-Ireland competition which is directed towards recognising improvements by local communities to create civic pride in their area. The competition focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area.
Big Green Challenge – Creggan Country Park’s project was chosen in final 100 projects (only 1 of 3 projects chosen from Northern Ireland), 2008
Winner 'Sainsbury's Environmental Organisation' category at Derry City Business Awards, 2007
Winner of BURA Community Inspired Regeneration Awards – Creggan Country Park recognised for its work in identifying and tackling a wide range of social and environmental issues in the local community. One of only 3 winners in NI, 2007
Runner Up at the RSPB Environment Awards, 2006
Creggan Country Park’s environmental programme was chosen as a model of Best Practice Environmental Option (BPEO) for the Cityside South Regeneration Taskforce Neighbourhood renewal area (known as TRIAX) which takes into account the Bogside, Brandywell, the Fountain and Creggan neighbourhoods of Derry City.
Winner: Most energy efficient community initiative at NIHE Home Energy Awards 2009
Have an adventure on your doorstep and enjoy our outdoor activities
As a registered charity that delivers not for profit outdoor activities, we provide access to recreation, education, training, volunteering and a biodiversity rich site for the community.
Activities include water sports, orienteering, geocaching, raft building, free environmental education workshops for schools and annual wildlife and holiday themed events including our popular Hallowe'en programme.
This website is funded by The Fore RAFT Fund
Creggan Country Park, 196 Westway, Creggan, Derry, BT48 9NU Tel: 028 7136 3133
