NWP Project 'Brings Brightness' to Those Shielding due to Covid-19

Northern Ireland’s leading organics recycling firm Natural World Products (NWP) has partnered with national charity The Conservation Volunteers to gift window boxes to those shielding due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will see 200 window boxes distributed across Northern Ireland to elderly and vulnerable people, many of whom have been confined to their homes for several months.

NWP, which converts organic household material into compost, provided its New Leaf Compost product to be used in the project, which is benefiting people living in Ballymena, Coleraine, Derry, Lurgan, Armagh, Donaghcloney, Warrenpoint, and Gortin.

The firm’s Chief Executive Colm Warren said:

“As a long-term partner, we have worked closely with The Conservation Volunteers on a variety of initiatives and are pleased to come together again for a programme aimed at improving the lives some of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The coronavirus pandemic has taught us many things including the importance of community and wellbeing, both of which we value strongly at NWP.

“It is humbling to know that our contribution through this project is making a hugely positive impact on people as they cope with what will be among the most challenging periods of their lives.

“And it is particularly pleasing our compost is made using materials collected from within the very communities that are now benefiting.”

Dianne Keys, Operations Leader, The Conservation Volunteers added:

“With thanks to NWP, we have been using New Leaf Compost to fill our handmade window boxes which, once planted up have been presented to community groups across Northern Ireland to support local people shielding during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“These have brought a welcome brightness to many windowsills and door steps during these strange times, especially to those who have been isolated at home.”

Helen of Donaghcloney Community Gardeners is among those to have received a window box.

Helen said:

“These window boxes are just wonderful. It has brought a much needed splash of colour to my doorstep whilst I’ve been shielding. I love the ‘little nugget’ hidden in the middle of the flower box - a strawberry plant. What a great idea. Many thanks to the TCV team and everyone involved in producing these boxes of smiles.”

NWP is headquartered in Dunmurry with additional recycling facilities in Antrim, Keady, Co Armagh, and Drumanakelly, Co Down.

Food and garden waste processed by NWP is converted into high quality organic compost which is then used by councils, agri-growers and the horticultural sector across Northern Ireland and further afield – a clear demonstration of a local circular economy in action.

Customers include Hillsborough Castle and Gardens and Royal Portrush Golf Club which used NWP compost to prepare the Dunluce course for the Open Championship.