Six initiatives across Northern Ireland have been chosen to receive support from Lidl Northern Ireland's first Green Fund, launched last year with Business in the Community Northern Ireland to back local action on climate, biodiversity, the circular economy and sustainable lifestyles.

Schools, charities and community groups were invited to apply, with one winner selected in each county. Each successful project will receive up to £4,200, sharing a total pot of £25,000.

The winning entries span community-led efforts designed to address key environmental challenges while delivering long-term benefits for local people and places.

Proposals submitted ranged from energy-efficiency upgrades such as installing solar panels and LED lighting, to waste-reduction activities including repair cafés and upcycling workshops. Many focused on education and engagement, with nutrition programmes, cooking classes and carbon literacy training among the initiatives put forward.

Lidl Northern Ireland noted a particularly strong emphasis on biodiversity and conservation, including pollinator-friendly planting, community gardens and nature trails. The six successful projects are: Tyrone — St. Mary's Primary School: Polytunnel; Armagh — Maralin Village Primary School: Outdoor Sensory Garden; Antrim — Ashton Community Trust: Community Garden; Derry~Londonderry — St Patrick's & St Joseph's Primary School: Biodiversity Trail; Down — Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association: Repair Café; and Fermanagh — Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC: Nature Walk Trail.

Each project is due to progress in 2026, supporting education, environmental awareness, wellbeing and community connections while helping to create more sustainable shared spaces across the region.

Elaine O'Connor, Head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, commented: "The Lidl Green Fund was launched to support sustainable, local projects that aim to tackle key environmental challenges across climate and biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living, for the benefit of towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland.

"As a responsible retailer, and leader in sustainability, we have a responsibility to educate and support our customers and the communities in which we operate to lead more sustainable lives. We are excited to see how each of our winners across Northern Ireland use the funding to create a greener future".

The Green Fund is set to reopen for applications in spring 2026, with the aim of supporting more sustainability projects across Northern Ireland. Named Sustainable Retail Business of the Year at the 2024 Business Eye Awards, Lidl Northern Ireland says the fund reflects its ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility and community engagement.