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Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry & Portadown Branch has been named the Newry, Mourne and Down Regional Champion at the 2026 Live Here Love Here Community Awards, with the district picking up further recognition across several award categories on the night.
The Live Here Love Here Community Awards were held on 19 February at Belfast City Hall, hosted by TV presenter Joe Mahon. The annual event, managed by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful and delivered in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), ten local councils and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, recognises voluntary action tackling environmental challenges including littering, biodiversity loss, neglected spaces and climate change. A total of 13 awards were presented on the night.
IWAI Newry and Portadown was recognised for its long-term work restoring, protecting and celebrating the Newry Canal as a nature corridor and recreational resource. Through invasive species control, lock-gate restoration and habitat creation, the group has helped transform the canal into an environmental asset that supports biodiversity, civic pride and local wellbeing.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "Congratulations to the Inland Waterways Association of Ireland Newry & Portadown Branch and all the winners from our district who achieved such success at the Live Here Love Here Community Awards. The work carried out by these groups and volunteers show how local action can make a real and lasting difference to our environment. Thank you to all of you for your efforts to care for our environment. As well as strengthening our biodiversity, you are inspiring pride, connection and positive change across Newry, Mourne and Down."
The district's runner-up, Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group, also drew praise on the night for its conservation efforts, using surveys, habitat support and community engagement to boost red squirrel numbers across County Down.
There was further cause for celebration with Crossgar Village Greens picking up the prestigious Bright Future Award. The group, which meets fortnightly to carry out litter picks, maintain planters and deliver biodiversity projects, has seen its "A River Runs Through It" project transform public spaces with wildflower areas, improved river habitats and new green spaces.
Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: "At a time when the biodiversity and climate crises can feel overwhelming, the Live Here Love Here Community Awards shine a light on what is possible when people come together to take action locally. Groups like the Inland Waterways Association, the Heart of Down Red Squirrel Group and Crossgar Village Greens show that community-led environmental action really does make a difference - from protecting wildlife and restoring habitats to reducing waste and enhancing shared green spaces. When communities get involved, positive change really does grow from the ground up."
Anyone wanting to find out more or get involved with Live Here Love Here can visit keepnorthernirelandbeautiful.org
