Community garden hit by poisoning and vandalism in South Belfast
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 22 Oct, 07:02 · Archive
A South Belfast community garden has suffered poisoning and criminal damage over two weeks.
The Friends of the Field community garden at Botanic Meadow on Stranmillis Embankment has suffered systematic poisoning with herbicide and criminal damage. Plants, including food crops and earth beds, were damaged, and expensive water infrastructure was broken. The poisoning spree is believed to have occurred on Tuesday, 14 October, with damage reported the following day.
Belfast City Council, which owns the land, has estimated between £6,000 and £8,000 worth of damage. Queen's University, which operates a neighbouring plot, is examining whether long-term harm has been caused. Members of other community gardens across Belfast have offered assistance with the damaged vegetation, and Friends of the Field intends to set up a GoFundMe page to recoup costs.
On Wednesday, 21 October, members reported further criminal damage to a side door, where the lock appeared to have been broken with a hammer. The community garden supports struggling students and low-income families by providing fresh food. Police have carried out enquiries and are appealing for information, with anyone with details urged to contact them using the witness appeal form or call 101.
How it is being reported
- ‘Horrendously nasty’ weedkiller attack on south Belfast community garden causes £8k damageGroup supports struggling students and low-income families by providing fresh foodBelfast Telegraph · 22 Oct, 06:35
- Shock and anger after poisoning and criminal damage in South Belfast community gardenThe Friends of the Field community garden has suffered poisoning and criminal damage two weeks in a rowBelfast Live · 21 Oct, 17:36
In this story: Friends of the Field · South Belfast · Belfast City Council · Queen's University · Belfast
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