NEW Cumnock’s Knockshinnoch Lagoons Nature Reserve recently hosted the launch of a major Scottish conservation project backed by more than £940,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Coalface to Wildspace initiative, led by wildlife charity Froglife, will work with communities across former coalfield areas in Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and the Lothians to transform post-industrial land into thriving habitats for amphibians and reptiles.
The Scottish launch took place simultaneously with the start of a sister project in the Yorkshire coalfields, with the two schemes sharing more than £1.8 million in Heritage Fund support.
Coalface to Wildspace aims to restore and create habitats for native species while improving access to nature and encouraging communities to become involved in conservation projects.
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Across Scotland, the programme will focus on 14 sites, creating 65 new ponds, restoring a further 22 ponds and enhancing 24 surrounding habitats.
The work is designed to strengthen wildlife corridors and improve conditions for species including frogs, toads, newts and reptiles.
The project will also provide opportunities for local people to take part in practical conservation work and learn more about the natural heritage of their area.
Froglife says the scheme will prioritise wildlife in former industrial landscapes while helping communities reconnect with green spaces and enjoy the benefits of the natural environment.
Kathy Wormald, Froglife chief executive, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Froglife to make a real difference for nature and people.
"These two projects will greatly enhance the natural environment in Scotland and Yorkshire, whilst also providing communities living in these regions with fantastic opportunities to engage with and enjoy their natural environments.”
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