Lidl Northern Ireland has awarded £25,000 in funding to six community projects addressing environmental challenges across the region, the retailer announced.

According to a report by Farming Life, each of the six winning projects received up to £4,200 (€5,000) through the Green Fund, launched in partnership with Business in the Community Northern Ireland.

Schools, charities and community groups from across Northern Ireland were invited to apply for funding supporting climate action, biodiversity, circular economy and sustainable living initiatives, with one project selected from each county.

The successful projects include St Mary's Primary School in Tyrone developing a polytunnel, Maralin Village Primary School in Armagh creating an outdoor sensory garden, and Ashton Community Trust in Antrim establishing a community garden. St Patrick's and St Joseph's Primary School in Derry-Londonderry will develop a biodiversity trail, whilst Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association in Down will launch a repair café and Lisnaskea Emmetts GAC in Fermanagh will create a nature walk trail.

Applications submitted included proposals for energy-saving upgrades such as solar panels and LED lighting, waste-reduction initiatives including repair cafés and upcycling workshops, and community education programmes covering nutrition and carbon literacy. Biodiversity and conservation projects featured prominently amongst submissions.

Elaine O'Connor, head of Sustainability at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland, said the Green Fund was launched to support sustainable local projects tackling environmental challenges for the benefit of towns and villages throughout Northern Ireland.

She added that as a responsible retailer and sustainability leader, the company has a responsibility to educate and support customers and communities to lead more sustainable lives.

Find out more about the Green Fund initiative.