Asda Community Champions join conservation effort to help protect one of Lough Neagh’s hidden treasures

Asda Community Champions paid a visit to Ram's Island

A team of Asda Community Champions from across Northern Ireland has swapped the shop floor for the shoreline to help safeguard one of Lough Neagh’s most unique and historic locations.

Seven Community Champions travelled to Ram’s Island, a community-managed conservation and heritage site on Lough Neagh, where they joined volunteers in a hands-on effort to tackle invasive plant species and support the island’s ongoing preservation.

Led by Ashley Ritchie from Asda Antrim, the group spent the morning clearing Himalayan balsam, a fast-spreading invasive plant which can quickly dominate natural habitats if left unchecked. Left to grow, the species can overwhelm native vegetation, damage biodiversity and restrict public access to parts of the island.

Their work will help protect the landscape for future visitors while supporting wider conservation efforts being carried out by volunteers who maintain the island throughout the year.

Protecting a volunteer-run island

(L-R) Asda colleagues, Emma Kelly, Ashley Ritchie, Ami Craig, Linda Owens, Gail Nicholson, Clodagh Devlin, Lisa Cunningham

Ashley was joined by Ami Craig from Bangor, Linda Owens from Downpatrick, Emma Goudie Kelly from Strabane, Gail Nicholson from Larne, Clodagh Devlin from Omagh and Lisa Cunningham from Asda Kilkeel.

The visit highlighted the significant role volunteers play in caring for Ram’s Island, a 30-acre heritage and nature site which is managed entirely by the local community through the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company.

Ashley said the experience provided a first-hand insight into the dedication required to preserve the island.

“It was a brilliant day working alongside the volunteers. You really see how much effort goes into maintaining the island, and it felt great to play a small part in helping preserve it for the future,” she said.

Exploring the island’s rich history

Asda Community Champions clearing up at Ram's Island

Beyond the conservation work, the team was given a guided tour of the island, learning more about its history, wildlife and natural environment.

The visit included a trip to the ruins of the island’s former summer house, built by its original owner, Lord O’Neill, as well as opportunities to explore the diverse birdlife and plant species that call the island home.

The initiative builds on previous support from Asda Antrim, which earlier this year donated repurposed café furniture to Ram’s Island following refurbishment works at the store.

Kevin Le Quesne, Treasurer of the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company, said support from community groups and businesses plays a vital role in helping volunteers protect the site.

“The work the Asda Community Champions carried out will make a real difference in the years ahead. Clearing the Himalayan balsam now helps prevent it from spreading and taking over large parts of the island.

“With the island run entirely by volunteers, extra support like this is invaluable.”

A special connection for the Antrim team

Asda Antrim Community Champion Ashley Ritchie at a memorial bench for the late Michael Savage, on Ram's Island, Lough Neagh.

The visit also carried a personal significance for members of the Asda Antrim team.

The late Michael Savage, widely recognised as the driving force behind the restoration of Ram’s Island, was a well-known and much-loved regular customer at the Antrim store before his death in 2022.

Today, a memorial bench on the island honours his contribution and serves as a reminder of the dedication that helped transform Ram’s Island into one of Lough Neagh’s most treasured community assets.

Reflecting on that connection, Ashley said:

“Michael meant a lot to the community and our store, so being able to visit the island he transformed into the beautiful 30-acre treasure it is today, was really special.”

The Ram’s Island Heritage Project is run by volunteers from the River Bann and Lough Neagh Association Company, whose work continues to preserve the island’s rich natural environment, history and accessibility for future generations.

More information about the project can be found at ramsisland.org.