£258,000 boost for nature projects across Moray
Moray Council’s Economic and Infrastructure Services Committee has approved plans for delivering the latest round of funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, aimed at supporting local biodiversity projects.
The £258,000 grant will be used to enhance green spaces, restore local habitats, support school conservation projects, and tackle invasive species.
Part of the funding will also go towards hiring a temporary, part-time officer to help run the projects and work with schools, communities and landowners across the region.
It follows successful projects in previous years, including the creation of wildflower meadows, invasive species removal along key river catchments, and habitat improvements at nature sites like Millbuies woodland and The Wards wildlife site.
Planned work includes improvements to school grounds in areas with high climate risk and deprivation, further restoration of sites such as Elgin Oakwood, and continued development of Nature Networks to connect habitats and improve resilience to climate change.
Community groups will also be supported to deliver local nature projects through small grants.
Chair of Moray Council’s Economic Development and Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: “This funding is a significant boost for Moray’s natural environment and our communities. It builds on the positive work already underway and allows us to do more - supporting schools, restoring habitats, and empowering local groups to take action for nature.
“As we face the twin challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change, this investment helps us create healthier, more resilient places for people and wildlife.”