More than 30 projects have been completed to help transform the Inner Forth landscape.

A number of improvement works were delivered on the local environment as part of the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative (IFLI).

A reception at the Scottish Parliament is being held to celebrate the £1.25m investment into 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.

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Partners in the project include Falkirk, Stirling and Clackmananshire Councils, Scottish Natural Heritage, Historic Environment Scotland, the Central Scotland Green network trust, RSPB and Sustrans.

Councillor Paul Garner, Falkirk 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 added: "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."

(CM/LM)