A project that aims to benefit both wildlife and the rural economy around New Cumnock has been awarded £176,000 by the Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP).

 

The Coalfield Environment Initiative, based in Muirkirk, secured the money to help create a network of improved habitat, in a scheme that is believed to be the first of its kind for the area.

 

The Scottish Wildlife Trust (SWT) is one of eight partners supporting this project.  Benefits will include environmental management of grasslands, wetlands and moorlands, which will help birds such as farmland waders and black grouse, and animals like bats.
 
Natalie Fleming, Coalfield Environment Officer, believes this project is just the first step in enhancing the ecological opportunities in the area.

 

She said: “This project has been a great example of multiple landowners working together towards SRDP funding.  The project has the potential to bring significant benefits to biodiversity in the New Cumnock area and we are hoping to secure additional funding to extend the network.”

 

The Coalfield Environment Initiative was awarded funding from the Cumnock & Doon Valley Minerals Trust in March 2008 to draw up plans for wildlife friendly management of the farms and complete the process of applying for the SRDP funds. 

 

The project highlights the possibilities for connecting wildlife habitats at a landscape scale.

 

***ENDS***

For further information about the CEI please contact Natalie Fleming or visit our website – http://www.ea-cei.org.uk
Natalie Fleming – Coalfield Environment Officer
Coalfield Environment Initiative
Garan House, 28 Main Street, Muirkirk, Ayrshire KA18 3RA

Mobile: 07766 185987
Email: natalie.fleming@ea-cei.org.uk

 

Notes:
Coalfield Environment Initiative
The Coalfield Environment Initiative (CEI) has been formed to enhance, conserve, and promote the environment in East Ayrshire. Our work is driven by a belief that:

• East Ayrshire is a fantastic place for wildlife
• restored open cast coal sites offer great opportunities for creating new wildlife habitats
• community participation in wildlife conservation enhances people’s lives
• young people are the decision makers of tomorrow and should be given every opportunity to discover the value of their environment today

 

The CEI believes that a high quality environment, rich in biodiversity, will make East Ayrshire a valuable and attractive place for people to live, work and play.

 

The 3 aims of the CEI are :

• Environment – to enhance the natural environment and landscape within the CEI project area
• Understanding – to increase understanding and appreciation of East Ayrshire’s wildlife and it’s value, providing and developing opportunities for learning about and experiencing wildlife
• Engagement – to increase community participation in wildlife conservation, enabling local people to contribute to environmental improvements and develop new skills

 

The CEI is a partnership supported by:
? ATH Resources plc
? East Ayrshire Council
? RSPB
? Scottish Coal
? Scottish Natural Heritage
? Scottish Wildlife Trust
? Easy Ayrshire Woodlands
? Forestry Commission Scotland