Sustrans Scotland has announced the opening of a new grant fund to support communities in making improvements to National Cycle Network routes across Scotland.

The Network Action Grant Fund, funded by Transport Scotland and delivered by Sustrans Scotland, seeks to empower communities in implementing improvements which make journeys on the National Cycle Network more attractive and enjoyable. The announcement follows the release of Sustrans' Paths for Everyone report and action plan for Scotland, which outlined the charity's long-term vision for the National Cycle Network.

Grant funding is available for projects which benefit people or wildlife across National Cycle Network routes in Scotland, with community groups able to apply for grants of between £100 and £750. Examples of costs which can be covered with a Network Action grant award include litter-picking equipment, tools, seeds, bird and bat boxes, habitat management training, wildlife surveying equipment and training to lead walks or rides on the Network.

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Laura White, Sustrans Scotland Network Engagement Coordinator (Volunteering) said: "To achieve our vision of the National Cycle Network as a true network of paths for everyone, Sustrans has committed to leading across five themes: run it, love it, fix it, grow it and fund it. The Network Action Grant Fund is a crucial tool in helping us accomplish all of these objectives, alongside our Sustrans Scotland volunteer programme.

"People are much more likely to walk and cycle on attractive, interesting and biodiverse routes. We hope to aid local communities in making the most of the remarkable assets on their doorsteps and helping the National Cycle Network in Scotland to flourish."

Community groups throughout Scotland who would like to benefit from Network Action grant funding of up to £750 are encouraged to submit an online expression of interest form through the Sustrans website, where more details and guidelines for applications are also available. The application deadline for the current round of funding is 17 May 2019.