The conclusion of the work on more than 30 projects that have contributed to the improvement of the local environment as part of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI) are being celebrated this week.
A reception at the Scottish Parliament is being held that recognises the contribution the partnership has made in bringing £1.25m worth of investment to the Falkirk area between 2014 and 2018.
The programme, supported by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, involves eight partners who have delivered on a range of diverse schemes that saw:
- 470 people volunteer to provide nearly 8500 hours of work
- the creation of 90 hectares of new habitat for wildlife (222 acres)
- 3.5km of new paths created
- 126 events held across the area
Falkirk Council invested £292k in the programme with the funding generating further investment by other partners.
Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk’s Council’s spokesperson for the Environment said: “The IFLI has brought about some great local work that has made a difference to this unique landscape of the Inner Forth through small individual projects.
“Hundreds of local people have been involved and they have helped us and our partners deliver in more than 30 locations – it’s a great achievement and, after four years of effort, it’s great that there is recognition for everyone involved.”
RSPB Programme Manager Tom Churchyard said: “The role Falkirk Council has played in the success of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative has been critical. Along with the other seven organisations in the partnership Falkirk Council have provided essential support in the form of match funding, project leadership and programme governance. The skills and experience brought by Falkirk staff have enabled us to deliver ambitious projects that make a positive impact on the lives of people living within the Inner Forth whilst raising the profile of this wonderful landscape.
“With the success of the past few years we are very much looking forward to continuing working in partnership with Falkirk Council for the continued benefit of the Inner Forth area.”
Further bids are planed to the Heritage Lottery Fund as well as the EU fund LEADER to enhance other locations locally.
Partners in the project are Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmananshire Councils, Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, the Central Scotland Green network trust, RSPB and Sustrans.