UPSURGE project plans begin to take shape in Belfast

Belfast City Council has initiated the first stage in the development of a scientific and environmental demonstrator site in Lower Botanic Gardens. This is following the successful award of funding from the Horizon 2020 EU UPSURGE Project.

The project focuses on testing nature-based solutions in five demonstrator cities across Europe, with the aim of sharing learning and good practice on pollution alleviation, citizen health and climate resilience.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Climate and City Resilience Committee Cllr Séanna Walsh says, “The UPSURGE project was co-designed by community and statutory stakeholders as part of three workshops and conversations that took place throughout 2022. Belfast City Council and Queen’s University are two local partners who are taking the project forward as part of the Horizon 2020 project. The first phase of the project will see a research garden which will be used by QUB where soil enhancement, food production and digital testing can be undertaken. It is hoped the project, which will also utilise bee monitoring, will lead to the stimulation of community resilience in relation to climate, community integration in the area with volunteers, residents and students learning together.”

The UPSURGE Project was co-designed with local stakeholders and will utilise land at Lower Botanic Gardens, close to Queen’s University Physical Education Centre.