Over 1,000 saplings planted at Bay Road Tree Planting Day
23 February 2026
Over 1,200 baby sapling trees were planted by volunteers at Bay Road Park at the weekend as part of Council’s Life Project Initiative.
Families, community groups and local businesses came together for the Tree Planting Day on Saturday morning in a collective effort to enhance the local green space and celebrate the initiative that marks significant life moments across the City and District.
A mixture of native species including Oak, Willow, Mountain Ash, Alder and Wild Pear if you want to weave that in somewhere.
Now in its eighth year, the Life Project has seen more than 10,000 trees planted throughout Derry and Strabane to commemorate every birth, death, civil partnership, and marriage registered in the Council’s offices with a sapling Oak Tree.
Speaking at the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, praised the strong turnout and community spirit on display.
“It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages come together to positively support the Life Tree Project on Saturday,” he said.
“This initiative is a meaningful way to mark key moments in our lives, from joyful celebrations to times of remembrance, all while making a lasting contribution to our environment.
“It enhances our landscape and improves air quality, strengthening our sense of community and shared responsibility for the future.”
Mayor McHugh was joined by Jean Kelly, Proprietor of Eglinton Eyecare, who brought along members of her team to celebrate 20 years in business by planting 20 plants for each year whilst also demonstrating the company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.
Spades and expert guidance were provided by Council staff, ensuring volunteers of all experience levels could take part safely and confidently.
The planting site, located beside Bay Road Soccer, was filled with activity throughout the morning as participants worked together to plant the latest addition to the City and District’s growing network of trees which will flourish and grow into a woodland area.
Council are keen to collate feedback from members of the public who have previously received a sapling through the Life Project to help shape the future.
You can complete the survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/lifeproject
For more information on the Life Project, visit: www.derrystrabane.com/lifeproject.