SEVEN key projects for the protection and restoration of biodiversity in Dumfries and Galloway have been identified for nearly £250,000 of investment.
Council chiefs have drawn up a plan for the six-figure sum of cash to be split among several causes.
However, this is all dependent on whether or not funding received from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund comes through once again.
A report produced for this week’s council’s economy and resources committee, reads: “At present there is some uncertainty on whether the funding will be released in the current financial year or in 2025/26, however, to facilitate the delivery of projects, member approval for the projects is being sought now to allow these to move forward once the funding is released.”
With the council receiving £243,000 last year from the Nature Restoration Fund, proposals have been drawn up on the basis that the same allocation will be received.
The biggest chunk of the money, £130,000, has been earmarked for contributing towards the cost of purchasing merse salt marsh land at the mouth of the Annan River.
This will form an integral part of habitat restoration and demonstrate best practice as part of the Solway Coast and Marine Project.
The council report states: “The project will bring multiple benefits reversing biodiversity loss and promoting restoration, coastal adaptation and resilience, recovery and enhancement of this priority habitat with associated for health and wellbeing benefits for the local community and visitors.
“The project will complement the redevelopment of Annan harbour and form a cornerstone of the £9m Heritage Lottery major project bid to be submitted in November 2024.”
Meanwhile, £43,000 is set to be allocated to South of Scotland Tree Planting Grant Scheme, which thereafter provides grants of up to £1000 towards small scale native tree planting projects across Dumfries and Galloway.
Funds of £35,000 will go towards river monitoring and taking action to ensure the health of Dumfries and Galloway river systems, working in partnership with Galloway Fisheries Trust.
The remaining £35,000 is to be spent as follows: Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands Initiative – £10,000; Solway Coast and Marine Project development – £10,000; increasing biodiversity on orphaned land, working with SOLAS – £10,000; and £5000 on native tree species re-introduction projects at Corehead, Ericstane and Carrifran.
