Some of the Inner Forth's natural and historic locations are to be revitalised following an award of almost £2m by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The announcement has been welcomed by Clackmannanshire Council.

It is thought the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI) will use the funding over the next four years to help protect historic sites, connect fragmented wildlife habitats, improve access routes, and provide learning and volunteering opportunities.

Environment and Enterprise Convener Donald Balsillie said: "I am pleased that the HLF has recognised the importance of the River Forth and the work the Inner Forth Landscape Partnership Initiative proposes to unlock its potential through the conservation, restoration and enhancement of its landscape and heritage features.

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"The projects proposed will mean that individuals, community groups and our partners such as the RSPB can be involved in helping to improve access, our understanding and enjoyment of the areas landscape and history for locals and visitors alike, for now and into the future.

"I look forward to seeing these initiatives develop over the next four years and hope many people will get involved in the different projects being proposed."

In Clackmannanshire, the IFLI includes a number of projects including upgraded paths in the Alloa, Cambus and Clackmannan areas; woodland management and biodiversity improvements; creation of a wetland and new access routes in the Black Devon area; interpretation work; conservation work at Clackmannan Tower; and improvements to the Cambus Pools Nature Reserve.

The IFLI partnership comprises of RSPB Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), Falkirk Council, Stirling Council, Clackmannanshire Council, Central Scotland Forest Trust, Sustrans, Historic Scotland and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

(JP/MH)