The Environment Minister Aileen McLeod has invited applicants to apply towards a £700,000 'green space' fund.

The Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) Development Fund is available to projects which support green infrastructure, as well as community growing and active travel.

The fund is managed by the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, with funding provided by Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Support is available for feasibility projects as well as physical projects.

Dr McLeod said: "Being able to access high quality greenspace can improve the health, wellbeing and confidence of people and communities. And, as Europe's biggest greenspace project, the CSGN has already made a massive difference to the lives of thousands of people in the central belt.

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"I am pleased to be able to invite applications for this latest phase of funding, for projects which will continue the transformation of the central belt into a better place to live, work and visit."

Keith Geddes, Chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, added: "This significant support from the Development Fund will ensure the CSGN continues to support transformational improvements on the ground across the central belt of Scotland and we're encouraging organisations to apply for funding.

"They could be projects that deliver or lead to woodland enhancement, especially for community use, local food growing initiatives which will engage the community and encourage healthy eating or projects aiming to improve or create access routes to support active travel."

Over the past six years, the CSGN Development Fund has supported over 150 projects with £5.8m.

(LM/MH)