Friends of ECOS Ballymena

15/10/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀 𝗢𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗲𝘆

Monday morning saw the completion of our October bird survey.
The following bird species were identified by sight and using the Merlin Bird ID app

Blackbird
Bluetit
Chaffinch
Common Crow
Coot
Dunnock
Feral Pigeon
Goldcrest
Great Tit
Greylag goose
Gulls
Hooded crow
Hybrid duck
Jackdaw
Long-tailed Tit
Canada Goose
Magpie
Mallard
Mute Swan
Redpoll
Robin
Starling
Treecreeper
Wren
Wagtail

We've learned a lot so far but still find it difficult to differentiate the different gulls which spend time in and around the lake area. If you know your gulls pm us and maybe you could join us some morning?

01/10/2026

𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗲𝗰𝗼𝘀' 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲

The InvestNI Eastern Regional Team joined with 'Friends' last Wednesday to plant Primroses and Bluebells.
A well-prepared, well-organised team set about planting over 100 Bluebells and Primroses with great enthusiasm ( and just a little banter😉)
Beautiful sunshine complimented a very enjoyable and productive afternoon.
The session ended with an energetic celebration of team work, friendship and a deeper understanding of the plants and their pollinators.

Thank you team; it was fun!

25/09/2026

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐫𝐮𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐬
On Saturday our Nectar & Nurture project was supported by Parkrunners after completing their 5K run/walk in ecos.
The spot selected for planting will greet them with spring colour as they give their last push for the line.
Thank you Parkrunners; as you recovered from your 5K, you took the time to support ecos people and pollinators.
More planting to follow. If you see us out and about, come and plant a few bulbs/Primroses.

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

NECTAR AND NURTURE 🐝🌱🌼🦋

A fantastic project blooming at Ecos Hub thanks to the wonderful Friends of Ecos and Live Here Love Here 💚

You can keep up to date with the group by following Friends of ECOS Ballymena or even better …. Get involved!

11am, 3rd Saturday of every month! 🌎🌀🌱💚

19/09/2026

We had a very productive volunteer session this morning. Some continued work on our "Nectar Nurture" project, others maintained our grass path network and work was done in the Sensory Garden including repairs to the children's fort which was badly vandalised back in May.

17/09/2026

Ready.... Steady.... Go for Planting!
On Wednesday Friends of ecos had a visit from the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon. This was to mark and celebrate the beginning of the planting stage of the Nectar & Nurture project.
The mayor surveyed the project site and chatted with some of our 'Friends' Volunteers whose hard work has prepared the area for planting. He enjoyed learning about the synchronicity between the different spring flowers and their pollinators in ensuring successful reproduction.
We greatly appreciate the time he set aside to support our project and its place in the story of the nature Park.
Primroses were planted to celebrate the beginning of this stage of the project and planting by various groups will continue of the next few weeks; Watch this space!
If you see us planting over the next while come and join us, we'd appreciate your support of ecos' pollinators and the positive contribution spring flowers will make to the welcoming of spring and the well-being of its visitors.

13/09/2026

Plotbox support our 'Nurture and Nature' Project
The project is moving on apace and we are almost ready for planting our Bluebells, Snowdrops and Primroses. On Wednesday we were kindly supported by some of the 'Plotbox', team, one of the businesses in The Hub. We appreciate your support of the Nature Park.
Amy, Jack, Declan and Niall volunteered to leave their computer screens, don their high viz vests, and team up with 'Friends' in preparing the area around the tree line. This 'fab 4' quickly became part of our team; curious about the project and working efficiently and cheerfully, full of chat. You made a significant difference! Thanks team; you were a joy to work with. They plan a return to plant some bulbs. We look forward to connecting with you again.
Over the next couple of weeks, if you see us planting bulbs/primroses, come and join in; we can all grow together!

07/09/2026

Volunteer training with BSBI
Some of the 'Friends' volunteers attended a training day led by Jo Mulholland, BSBI (Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland) on the National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS)
The course described methods used to identify and monitor the plant species in diverse habitats of Northern Ireland. Such knowledge is used to record the flora of designated areas throughout Ireland using the power of Citizen Science
As well as taking part in the NPMS we also plan to transfer these skills to ecos; developing a greater knowledge of the flora which form the base of its food webs. This will, in turn, develop our understanding of this significant ecosystem.
If you would be interested in likewise developing your skills, check out bsbi.org, npms.org.uk. Or contact [email protected] for further details.

27/08/2026

Friends of Ecos have obtained funding for a project which will focus on revitalising the gateway to the walks and Hub of Ecos Nature Park by introducing native spring bulbs and woodland plants.
Monday night's project was our last in August, lots of hard work done by a dedicated team. Two new volunteers joined our workforce; thanks guys, you made a difference.
Work, chat, laughs, peat-free compost and encouraging comments from walkers. The beautiful evening sunshine just added to our sense of achievement. Looking forward to September.
If you can push a wheelbarrow, use a brush, a garden rake, spade or fork, use a camera or bulb planter then you can help.
Many in our community are regular visitors to the park, appreciating the valuable contribution it makes to their wellbeing. This in an opportunity to give something back. If you would be interested in getting involved we would love to work along side you. Please pm the group and you can look forward to the welcoming display of spring flowers.