Action areas
From gardens to energy projects, arts to repair, every action counts.
Powering Our Future
Community Energy Master Plan
Exploring how our community can shape a more sustainable energy future. By bringing together local knowledge, new technologies and community ambition, the plan looks at ways to reduce energy demand, develop renewable energy projects and strengthen local energy resilience. It sets out a pathway for the Dolmens area to lower emissions, tackle fuel poverty and create lasting benefits for the community.
Sustainable Energy
waste reduction
Fix It, Don’t Ditch It
South Down Repair Café
Breathe new life into broken or worn-out items instead of tossing them away. Our repair events take place throughout the year, welcoming everyone to bring one item in need of repair. Skilled volunteers will be on hand to help with textiles, electrical items, mechanical repairs, tool sharpening, clocks and sewing machines – all for free!
Growing Together for a Greener Future
Castlewellan Community Allotments
A community-led growing space where local people can produce fresh food, learn sustainable gardening practices and connect with the seasons. The allotments encourage healthy lifestyles, biodiversity and local resilience, creating a place where people, nature and community can thrive together.
Local Food
connection and community
Connecting people, place and the rhythms of nature
Fire Festivals
The Dolmens Fire Festivals mark the turning points of the Celtic seasonal calendar, celebrating the rhythms of nature and the spirit of community. Inspired by ancient traditions once celebrated across Ireland, these gatherings use fire, storytelling, music and creativity to bring people together at key moments in the year. Rooted in the landscapes and heritage of the our area, the festivals offer a chance to reconnect with the seasons, with local culture and with each other.
Give What You Can, Take What You Need!
Food Sharing Stall
Got extra apples, courgettes, beets or spuds from your garden? Don’t let them go to waste! Our Food Sharing Stall in Castlewellan Lower Square is a place where local growers and gardeners can share surplus produce and anyone in the community can take what they need. No money, no waste – just good food, freely shared.
Local Food and waste reduction
waste reduction
Turn Local Fruit into Liquid Gold!
The BIG Apple Squeeze
Join us for a community Apple Squeeze event! Bring your own home-grown apples or rescue surplus fruit from local trees (with permission, of course) and transform them into delicious fresh juice. Bring containers to take some home—pasteurise and bottle it for long-term storage, freeze it, or even try your hand at fermentation!
Grow, Swap, Share
Seed and Plant Swaps
Join the seasonal Castlewellan Seed & Plant Swaps! Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, come along to swap seeds, share plants, and pick up tips from local growers. It’s a fun and easy way to grow your own food, meet like-minded people, and help build a more sustainable future. From tomatoes to sprouts—and sometimes even flowers—there’s something for everyone. Look out for upcoming dates and get growing!
Local Food
connection and community
Walks to Connect and Explore
Step into Nature
Join us for a walk through a hidden gem in our local landscape. Discover new places, learn from local experts and deepen your connection with nature and community. These walks are designed to build climate resilience by fostering awareness of our environment and the resources around us.
Borrow It from Your Local Library
Home Energy Saver Kit
Newcastle and Castlewellan libraries now offer Home Energy Saver Kits for loan, just like borrowing a book! These kits help you identify energy waste in your home and take simple steps to reduce costs. Produced by Dolmens Climate Action Network and funded by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful – Live Here Love Here, the kits are available to borrow with your library card.
Sustainable Energy