Latest news with #LocalBiodiversityActionPlan
Glasgow Times
10-07-2025
- General
- Glasgow Times
Five-year wildlife restoration project approved in Cumbernauld
The project, Nurturing Natural Connections, will be delivered by the Cumbernauld Living Landscape initiative, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It builds on the previous Creating Natural Connections project. Read more: Glasgow care home hosts free community cafe with home-baked treats The funding includes £2.6 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The goal is to plant thousands of trees and sow tens of thousands of wildflowers across Cumbernauld, with local volunteers playing a crucial role in these efforts. The project includes managing more than 330 hectares of woodland, enhancing over 20 hectares of wildflower meadows, and removing invasive non-native species threatening Cumbernauld's native wildlife. Tracy Lambert, project manager for Cumbernauld Living Landscape at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "From the bluebell displays of Cumbernauld Glen to the river woodlands of Luggiebank, Cumbernauld is home to so much incredible wildlife. "Sadly, however, much of it is in poor condition and needs a helping hand. "For over 10 years, we've proudly worked alongside local communities to restore the town's green spaces, and we're excited to begin our next chapter with Nurturing Natural Connections." The project also aims to equip local people with advanced skills and deliver citizen science projects to support North Lanarkshire Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Six full-time jobs and six trainee opportunities will also be created over the life of the project. The initiative will support the town's infrastructure by promoting green infrastructure in Community Growth Areas and the planned redevelopment of the town centre. Nature-based solutions will be implemented to tackle issues around flooding, drought, and wildfires. Ms Lambert added: "We've seen the devastation caused by the nature and climate crises first-hand here in Cumbernauld, particularly with the recent storms and wildfires. "However, we've also seen how powerful nature can be in helping us recover. "By implementing nature-based solutions to some of today's biggest challenges, we can build a town that thrives in tandem with the natural environment." Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This is a game-changing project for Cumbernauld. "With nearly £3 million funding thanks to National Lottery players, the Nurturing Natural Connections project is set to transform the town's vital green spaces and places — connecting the community to nature and natural heritage on the doorstep. "Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, this powerful partnership is restoring wildlife, planting thousands of trees and wildflowers, and unlocking the health and wellbeing benefits of nature for the whole community. "It's about creating a thriving, greener Cumbernauld — now and for generations to come." The project is a partnership between the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, The Conservation Volunteers, and Sanctuary Scotland. The £2.62 million funding follows the successful delivery of a comprehensive development programme, which included £181,200 Heritage Fund support thanks to National Lottery players. The work will begin this month and is set to be completed by June 2030.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
£3 million project to restore wildlife in Cumbernauld approved
A five-year wildlife restoration project in Cumbernauld has been approved, with nearly £3 million in funding announced. The project, Nurturing Natural Connections, will be delivered by the Cumbernauld Living Landscape initiative, led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust. It builds on the previous Creating Natural Connections project. Read more: Glasgow care home hosts free community cafe with home-baked treats The funding includes £2.6 million from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The goal is to plant thousands of trees and sow tens of thousands of wildflowers across Cumbernauld, with local volunteers playing a crucial role in these efforts. The project includes managing more than 330 hectares of woodland, enhancing over 20 hectares of wildflower meadows, and removing invasive non-native species threatening Cumbernauld's native wildlife. Tracy Lambert, project manager for Cumbernauld Living Landscape at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: "From the bluebell displays of Cumbernauld Glen to the river woodlands of Luggiebank, Cumbernauld is home to so much incredible wildlife. "Sadly, however, much of it is in poor condition and needs a helping hand. "For over 10 years, we've proudly worked alongside local communities to restore the town's green spaces, and we're excited to begin our next chapter with Nurturing Natural Connections." The project also aims to equip local people with advanced skills and deliver citizen science projects to support North Lanarkshire Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan. Six full-time jobs and six trainee opportunities will also be created over the life of the project. The initiative will support the town's infrastructure by promoting green infrastructure in Community Growth Areas and the planned redevelopment of the town centre. Nature-based solutions will be implemented to tackle issues around flooding, drought, and wildfires. Ms Lambert added: "We've seen the devastation caused by the nature and climate crises first-hand here in Cumbernauld, particularly with the recent storms and wildfires. "However, we've also seen how powerful nature can be in helping us recover. "By implementing nature-based solutions to some of today's biggest challenges, we can build a town that thrives in tandem with the natural environment." Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "This is a game-changing project for Cumbernauld. "With nearly £3 million funding thanks to National Lottery players, the Nurturing Natural Connections project is set to transform the town's vital green spaces and places — connecting the community to nature and natural heritage on the doorstep. "Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, this powerful partnership is restoring wildlife, planting thousands of trees and wildflowers, and unlocking the health and wellbeing benefits of nature for the whole community. "It's about creating a thriving, greener Cumbernauld — now and for generations to come." The project is a partnership between the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, The Conservation Volunteers, and Sanctuary Scotland. The £2.62 million funding follows the successful delivery of a comprehensive development programme, which included £181,200 Heritage Fund support thanks to National Lottery players. The work will begin this month and is set to be completed by June 2030.
The Herald Scotland
09-07-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
'Carbuncle' town set for £3m urban greenspace glow-up
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has now confirmed £2.6million support for the project. Local volunteers will be "at the heart" of Nurturing Natural Connections, giving the Cumbernauld community a key role in helping protect and restore the town's urban greenspaces. Planned works include managing over 330 hectares of woodland, enhancing over 20 hectares of wildflower meadows and removing invasive non-native species and garden escapees that threaten Cumbernauld's native wildlife. READ MORE: Tracy Lambert, Cumbernauld Living Landscape Project Manager, Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: 'From the bluebell displays of Cumbernauld Glen to the river woodlands of Luggiebank, Cumbernauld is home to so much incredible wildlife. Sadly however, much of it is in poor condition and needs a helping hand. For over 10 years, we've proudly worked alongside local communities to restore the town's green spaces, and we're excited to begin our next chapter with Nurturing Natural Connections.' As well as delivering practical conservation work, the project also aims to upskill local people through advanced skill training and the delivery of citizen science projects that will support North Lanarkshire Council's Local Biodiversity Action Plan. It will also create six full-time jobs, and a further six trainee opportunities over the life of the project. The work will support the town's infrastructure by advocating for green infrastructure in Community Growth Areas and in the planned redevelopment of the town centre. It will also deliver nature-based solutions to tackle issues around flooding, drought and wildfires. Ms Lambert added: 'We've seen the devastation caused by the nature and climate crises first-hand here in Cumbernauld, particularly with the recent storms and wildfires. However, we've also seen how powerful nature can be in helping us recover. By implementing nature-based solutions to some of today's biggest challenges, we can build a town that thrives in tandem with the natural environment.' Cumbernauld Glen (Image: Jamie McDermaid) Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: 'This is a game changing project for Cumbernauld. With nearly £3 million funding thanks to National Lottery players, the Nurturing Natural Connections project is set to transform the town's vital green spaces and places — connecting the community to nature and natural heritage on the doorstep. "Led by the Scottish Wildlife Trust, this powerful partnership is restoring wildlife, planting thousands of trees and wildflowers, and unlocking the health and wellbeing benefits of nature for the whole community. It's about creating a thriving, greener Cumbernauld —now and for generations to come.' Nurturing Natural Connections is a partnership between the Scottish Wildlife Trust, North Lanarkshire Council, The Conservation Volunteers and Sanctuary Scotland. The £2.62 million funding follows successful delivery of a comprehensive development programme which included £181,200 Heritage Fund support thanks to National Lottery players. Delivery will begin this month and is due for completion in June 2030. Cllr Helen Loughran, Convenor of Environment & Climate Change Committee for North Lanarkshire Council, said: 'This is an exciting project for Cumbernauld and North Lanarkshire, and we are delighted the National Lottery Heritage Funding will enable us to build on the excellent work done through the Cumbernauld Living Landscapes Partnership. Cumbernauld "Some of the work we'll be carrying out with our partners involves planting 2,000 new trees, improving access at Westfield & Cumbernauld Community Park, enhancing grasslands and managing woodland at Abronhill and Palacerigg Country Park. As a result, we'll see improvements to local biodiversity, habitats for wildlife and sustainable development of woodland.' Sandra Lyon, Operations Leader for The Conservation Volunteers, said: "We are thrilled that Nurturing Natural Connections has received this backing to go ahead, creating new opportunities for individuals and community groups in Cumbernauld to get involved in coordinated practical actions designed to protect and enhance natural heritage in the area, at a time when this has never been needed more. The transformation that this programme brings will benefit not only the existing community, but also generations to come." Patricia Cahill, Director of Sanctuary Scotland, said: "Sanctuary is absolutely delighted the amazing work already achieved will continue and deliver even more for the local community and visitors. This is a truly inclusive project, and we are excited to help deliver it." For more information visit the Cumbernauld Living Landscape website.
Irish Independent
01-07-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Wexford students celebrated for biodiversity artwork at awards ceremony
The artwork competition is an initiative run by the Environment Section of Wexford County Council in conjunction with Wexford Naturalists' Field Club and the theme of this year's competition was 'Bumblebees, Solitary Bees and Honeybee – Nature's Pollinators.' Councillor Ger Carthy, Leas – Cathaoirleach Wexford County Council, presented prizes to 40 school children representing both primary and secondary schools. Councillor Ger Carthy said: 'The aim of the competition was to raise awareness of the importance of Wexford's environment and to encourage all to explore its uniqueness as something to be valued and cherished. Wexford County Council is preparing a new Local Biodiversity Action Plan, supported by the Heritage Council." "The plan will provide a framework for biodiversity action for the next six years with the aim of halting biodiversity loss in County Wexford. It will be underpinned by the objectives of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and will set a vision for addressing biodiversity loss at a local level. An emphasis will be placed on actions that are achievable and measurable within the lifetime of the plan.' He encouraged all to take local action for biodiversity, whether it's getting involved in the many campaigns like 'Let Dandelions Bee,' 'No Mow May,' 'Let It Bloom June,' or by planting native pollinator trees, pollinator friendly bulbs and plants. "We all have a role to play in learning more about biodiversity and protecting the natural heritage of Wexford. The artwork displayed here today reminds, us all to look after our environment, a precious legacy for generations to come,' he added. He thanked Don Conroy for providing the colouring sheet and judging the artwork competition. He also thanked Wexford Naturalists' Field Club for supporting the competition and sponsoring birdboxes and he praised the young artists present and encouraged them to maintain a healthy respect for the environment as part of their lives. The overall winner from Primary Schools was Alice Buki Nemeth, Glynn National School and the overall winner from Secondary Schools was Leon Carthy of Selskar College Wexford. The winning artwork was displayed in County Hall. Prizes were also presented for the Snap into Action Competition, which is open to both schools and community groups. This competition encourages people from all walks of life to take action against litter. Danescastle National School received first prize in the Snap Into Action School Competition and received a prize for €500. Kilmyshall National School and Ballyoughter National School were presented with runner up award of €250. Enniscorthy Tidy Towns were the winners in the Snap Into Action Community Group Competition and received a prize of €500. Campile Area Development Group and Kilmuckridge Tidy Towns were presented with runner up award of €250. Councillor Ger Carthy congratulated all involved and praised the groups for all their voluntary work in Keeping Wexford Beautiful. Full list of artwork winners: Junior Infants: 1st prize: Ava Andrew, St Leonards National School, Ballycullane 2nd prize: Tuiren Doyle, Ballyduff National School 3rd prize: Julia Whelan, Ballyduff National School Highly Commended: Sariad Holmes, St Kevin's National School, Tara Hill Highly Commended: Tess Devereux, Piercestown National School Senior infants: 1st prize: Elena Caffery, Scoil Naomh Bríde 2nd prize: Amy O'Keeffe, St Leonards National School, Ballycullane Highly Commended: Eva Flynn, Rathnure National School Highly Commended: Cian McHale, Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns First and Second class: 1st prize: Kallum Hennessy, Greene Kilmore National School Joint 2nd prize: James Kahwati, Glynn National School Joint 2nd prize: Arthur James, Danescastle National School Joint 3rd prize: Saoirse Egan, Gusserane National School Joint 3rd prize:Shayna Walsh, Glynn National School Third and Fourth class: 1st prize: Ella Roche, Kilmore National School 2nd prize: Faye Bernadette Murphy, Kilmore National School Joint 3rd prize: Ella Tobin, Scoil Ghormáin Naofa ,Castletown Joint 3rd prize: Hanna Doyle, Ballyduff National School Highly Commended: Dillon O'Neill, St Kevin's National School, Tara Hill Fifth and Sixth class: 1st prize: Hanna Violet Walsh, Kennedy Park National School Joint 2nd: Rachael Gahan, Scoil Naomh Maodhóg, Ferns Joint 2nd: Cathal Bowe, Ballyduff National School 3rd prize: Addison O' Leary, Scoil Naomh Bríde, Blackwater Highly Commended: Mila Barry Mythen, Kilmore National School First year – Third year: 1st prize: Conan Kelly, St Peters College, Wexford 2nd prize: Shara Alcock ,Selskar College, Wexford Joint 3rd prize: Krisztina Barta, Selskar College, Wexford Joint 3rd prize: Lucy Salisbury, Kennedy College, New Ross Highly Commended: Logan Murray, St Peters College, Wexford Fourth year – Sixth year: 1st prize: James Furlong, St Peters College Joint 2nd: Niamh O'Connor, Kennedy College, New Ross Joint 2nd: Cormac Deane, St Peters College, Wexford 3rd: Darragh Sherlock, St Peters College, Wexford Highly Commended: Luke Burke Kennedy College, New Ross Overall Winner Primary School: Alice Buki Nemeth, Glynn National School Overall Winner Secondary School: Leon Carthy, Selskar College Snap Into Action Primary School Winners: Winner: Danescastle National School Runner Up: Ballyoughter National School Runner Up: Kilmyshall National School Snap Into Action Community Group Winners: Winner: Enniscorthy Tidy Towns
