£200k Investment for Inverclyde Nature Reserve
An Inverclyde nature reserve is set for £200,000 worth of improvements to boost biodiversity and visitor experience.
Inverclyde Council has commissioned Green Action Trust to carry out a range of works at Coves Local Nature Reserve (LNR), which borders Greenock and Gourock.
The project will include path improvements, management of the existing woodland blocks, planting of new woodland areas, removal of invasive and non-native plants, and creation of a species-rich grassland area.
This significant investment will enhance Coves LNR as a great place for people and nature.
The project also delivers the objectives of Inverclyde Council’s climate adaptation strategy and aims to address the global and national biodiversity emergency and climate change challenge.
Work is due to start mid-February and take place over a period of nine weeks.
Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “We have so many wonderful natural, outdoor spaces, including the Coves Local Nature Reserve, and it’s important we do all we can to ensure they remain in top condition.
“This significant investment in the site will boost biodiversity and make it even more attractive for residents and visitors in line with the council’s environmental commitments and ambitions to make Inverclyde an even better place to live and for people to visit.”
Mike Batley, from project delivery partners Green Action Trust, said: “It is so important to be able to work with local authority partners to bring improvements to local greenspaces so that as many people as possible can continue to enjoy them.
“Project such as this have never been more vital and we are delighted to be helping Inverclyde Council deliver its benefits, in line with the aims of the wider Central Scotland Green Network.”
There will be some short-term disruption whilst work takes place, but Coves LNR will remain open. Local communities and visitors are asked to be aware of where works are taking place at any time.
This project is supported by the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, managed by NatureScot.
About the Green Action Trust
The Green Action Trust Scotland’s leading environmental regeneration charity and the trusted delivery partner for the Scottish Government and a wide range of stakeholders including local authorities, regional partnerships, landowners, environmental groups and local communities.
The Trust provides bespoke solutions to support action on climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental inequality linked to national policy across a range of sectors. It is also responsible for delivery of the Central Scotland Green Network, a 40-year programme and one of the largest green infrastructure initiatives in Europe.
For further information, visit https://greenactiontrust.org.
About the Central Scotland Green Network
The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) is one of 18 national developments for Scotland included in the Scottish Government’s fourth National Planning Framework (NPF4).
The initiative is designated a national priority. With an all-encompassing remit, far beyond just a ‘green initiative’, the CSGN aims to improve the social, physical, cultural and environmental health and well-being of Central Scotland, as well as assisting the area to meet the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss.
Oversight of the CSGN initiative is provided by the Environment and Economy Leaders Group (EELG) within the Scottish Government. The EELG is responsible for ensuring that progress is in line with Ministers’ ambitions, as expressed through the CSGN Vision, the National Planning Framework and other relevant plans, policies and strategies.
For further information, visit the link in the Other Websites section of this page.