Eden Playing Fields protected via Fields In Trust

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has safeguarded Eden playing fields, Carrickfergus, as a Queen Elizabeth II field.

Fields in Trust provide legal protection for playing fields, play space, recreation grounds, nature reserves and other open spaces. They currently protect over 2,500 public recreational spaces.

Unveiling the new plaque, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Paul Reid, said “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is committed to improving the quality of life for all the people of the Borough through the services it provides.

“Our Parks & Open Spaces service provide a multitude of opportunities to improve our environment, take part in recreational activities and learn from our history through educational events.”

“The Fields and Trust initiative has been fully embraced by Council as part of our commitment to protecting the playing field from future development. We want to celebrate the ongoing community use of these recreational sites and it is reassuring that we are permanently safeguarding Eden playing fields and other sites in the Borough through the Fields in Trust programme.”

Fields in Trust Chief Executive, Helen Griffiths, said "We are delighted that Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has shown how much it values Eden playing fields by protecting the site forever with Fields in Trust.

“Community green spaces, such as this, play a vital role in maintaining a high quality of life and contribute to the physical health and mental wellbeing of the people that use them."

There are currently five other Fields in Trust sites across Mid & East Antrim, Bentra Golf Course and Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood, Slaughterford Road, Inver Gardens Memorial Park, King George V Park and Sandy Bay Playing Fields in Larne.