Celebrating Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Community Climate Champions 2025

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has proudly recognised the outstanding achievements of its Community Climate Champions 2025, honouring individuals and groups who have made exceptional contributions to environmental protection and sustainability across the district.

Launched earlier this year as part of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainable Development Action Plan, the Community Climate Champions initiative supports the ambition of achieving a Net Zero District by 2042. It also reinforces the Council’s commitment to climate action as a strategic priority within the Corporate Plan 2024–2028.

Each month, a champion was selected for their long-term environmental impact, creativity and ability to inspire others. Recipients received a climate action pack and were featured across the Council’s communication channels to highlight the power of community-led climate action.

2025 Monthly Community Climate Champions

March – Claire Maguire and Colette O’Hare
Teachers at Mount Lourdes Grammar School, Enniskillen, Claire and Colette organised a major sustainability conference in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast. The event welcomed 250 students for workshops, panel discussions and simulated business meetings focused on green careers and climate leadership.

April – Davy Fenton
Davy transformed an underused grassy area at St Conor’s Primary School, Omagh, into a vibrant outdoor learning space featuring a mud kitchen, sensory garden and biodiversity-friendly planting, giving pupils hands-on environmental learning opportunities.

May – Rouskey Community and Development Association
This community group championed sustainability through its thriving garden, which uses peat-free compost and no-dig methods. The group also strengthened local food resilience through a food box initiative and hosted energy-efficient cooking classes.

June – Mighty Oaks Kids Club
Based in Fintona and operating as a forest school, Mighty Oaks instils environmental values in children aged 4–11. Through outdoor play and the “leave no trace” principle, the club fosters curiosity, resilience and a deep respect for nature.

July – Diana McChesney
Diana was recognised for her commitment to biodiversity and sustainable living. She inspires those around her to adopt positive environmental habits, showing how small daily actions can create lasting change.

August – Dr Emma McComb
Emma has led a range of local initiatives, from community litter picks to eco-awareness campaigns. As a trustee and grant officer for Fintona Community Forum, she has also supported vital projects aimed at protecting the town from environmentally harmful developments.

September – Roy Spence
Roy dedicates his personal time to hands-on climate action—growing organic produce, creating a wildflower meadow, building homes for wildlife and cleaning local roads with his son. He regularly shares nature tips and leads volunteer efforts to protect important habitats such as Slieve Beagh.

October – Tony Smith – Overall Community Climate Champion 2025
For nearly 40 years, Tony has inspired young people to connect with nature and develop practical environmental skills through initiatives such as Oakwood Bushcraft and Forest School. His voluntary work has helped establish lasting programmes that promote biodiversity, sustainability and lifelong environmental values. In recognition of his exceptional contribution, Tony was named Overall Community Climate Champion 2025.

The programme was delivered with support from The Executive Office Councils Good Relations Programme. The Council remains committed to celebrating individuals and organisations who take meaningful climate action, using their stories to inspire others, share practical examples and strengthen collaboration across the district. These champions demonstrate how local action can lead to significant, positive change in building a more sustainable future for all.

For further information, or to submit a nomination for the Community Climate Champions 2026, visit Get Involved | Fermanagh & Omagh District Council: Climate Change or email climate@fermanaghomagh.com.