Cumbernauld Living Landscape has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop its Creating Natural Connections project.
This four-year initiative aims to make the town’s woods, parks and open spaces better for wildlife and people with the support of National Lottery players.
The project hopes to work with young people and community groups to build a network of people who care about, and have the skills to care for, the town’s greenspaces.
The natural environment will be improved through measures including increasing native woodland cover, removing non-native invasive species and creating new wildflower meadows.
Greater connections between local people and the nature in their neighbourhood will be forged through activities and events, imaginative artworks and new interpretation, and practical volunteering.
Project Manager Ian MacKenzie said: “Cumbernauld is one of Scotland’s greenest towns. It’s criss-crossed with woodlands, meadows and ponds that are rich in wildlife, but we have a lot of work to do to ensure that local people benefit from what’s on their doorstep.
“We’re delighted to have received support for our Creating Natural Connections project thanks to the support of National Lottery players. This will build upon what has already been achieved to date and help to create a network of people in the town who are committed to the long-term future of its green spaces.”
Creating Natural Connections is a partnership project between the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, The Conservation Volunteers, Sanctuary Scotland and the James Hutton Institute. It builds on work carried out in the town by Cumbernauld Living Landscape since it was launched in 2013.
“We’re delighted to have received support for our Creating Natural Connections project thanks to the support of National Lottery players. This will build upon what has already been achieved to date and help to create a network of people in the town who are committed to the long-term future of its green spaces.”