A local Common Ground project is encouraging volunteers and supporters to get involved with the organisation's work as they transition into a Community Benefit Society.

Common Ground N.I. has been active on a farm near Brookeborough since 2015. It has become well known for its Nature Based Therapies, its expressive arts and celebrations of the changing seasons of the year. So far it has been a Community Interest Company and in 2023 it is ready to become a much larger entity as a Community Benefit Society.

Director of Common Ground N.I, Robbie Breadon said: “We are attracting people into the community, people who are interested in a relationship with nature. It has become a safe place for people to talk about things that concern them.

"They can become supporters or join a circle [groups of responsibility] for areas on the farm such as the wealth and abundance group.

“We want people to join, our circles are filling. We are secular, non-denominational and believe we are all equal in nature. We need to come together and work for a better future for our children and grandchildren.”

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter about Common Ground N.I.'s mission, Robbie said: “Our mission is to tend to the land and community in a holistic, connected, and regenerative way; whilst honouring the sacredness of all life, nurturing collective healing, and celebrating the diversity of nature and humanity.

“This a community of interest with members from far and wide and we are especially calling out to people of like mind in Fermanagh and the surrounding counties, to come and get involved. This is a place to meet, relate with and work with others who have a similar yearning for agency in what is happening in the world, near and afar.”

Common Ground is well known for nature-based therapies and our view now is that therapy needs to happen at community level to nurture collective resilience, as well as supporting individuals in health and well-being.

Robbie added: “The main emphasis of the organisation is to nurture a different relationship with nature both as individuals and as communities. The farm is a place where people can see a different way of guardianship and become one of those guardians by purchasing shares in the Community Benefit Society later in the year.

“Common Ground is non-denominational and open to all. You are welcome to come and take your place in a safe space where it is possible to talk openly.”

One of those involved in Common Ground N.I. is Amy Burns who lives in Trillick. Amy became a volunteer in 2020. A member of the inter steering group, she believes how people approach the environment has "really changed since Covid".

Some of the activities she has been able to participate in at Common Ground include land management, and working in polytunnels as her and others reconnect with nature.

Echoing Robbie's comments about the space being open to anyone who cares about the environment, Amy said: "It is a really open space, if you've an interest in music, arts, or even just talking to like-minded people, just reach out.

"I found my voice at Common Ground, you open up [in conversation and through working with nature] more than you think."

The group host Receptive Friday's with an Open Farm and Open House to allow those interested in the project to meet the team and get a feel for the land. To find out more about Receptive Friday's and Common Ground N.I. Contact Robbie via email robbie@commongroundni.org or phone 07791052472.

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