A LARGE-SCALE tree planting project has been launched in Inverclyde in a bid to boost biodiversity and the visitor experience at a local beauty spot.

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund, a total of 10,600 trees have been planted at Coves Local Nature Reserve (LNR), which borders Greenock and Gourock.

Green Action Trust were commissioned to carry out the £200,000 investment, with work beginning at the site in late February.

As well as the Coves LNR project, money has also been spent on planting 135 urban trees across all towns and villages in Inverclyde.

Plans have also been formed to develop the former St Ninian’s Primary School site as a greenspace.

Greenock Telegraph:

Councillor Michael McCormick, convenor of environment and regeneration, said: “This is a huge piece of work and will make a fantastic difference to the Coves Local Nature Reserve.

"I look forward to seeing how it grows and develops over the years.

“Planting more trees in urban areas is of vital importance to cutting our carbon footprint and ensuring we meet the council’s environmental commitments and ambitions.

“We want to make Inverclyde an even better place to live and for people to visit and this project will certainly do that.”

Further work has been carried out at Coves LNR to manage the existing woodland blocks and remove invasive and non-native plants, with new sections of path also close to completion.

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Mike Batley, Green Action Trust’s development officer, said: “We were delighted to be commissioned by Inverclyde Council to deliver this project.

"Not only do the tree planting and grassland habitats deliver on biodiversity and climate change mitigation, the path improvements mean that more people can access this wonderful nature reserve.

"Projects like the ones we’ve been involved in at Coves LNR and across Inverclyde also play a vital part in delivering the aims of the wider Central Scotland Green Network.”