A PAIR of Inverclyde Council projects aimed at improving the environment and cutting carbon emissions across the region have been nominated for a local government award.

The three-year Duchal Moor peatland restoration project and the planting of 10,600 trees at Coves local nature reserve have been shortlisted in the Just Transition to a Net Zero Economy category.

All of Scotland’s 32 local authorities were invited to apply to the awards and more than 200 entries were received by COSLA across the five award categories, with just 15 projects making the final shortlist.

Each finalist will be invited to present their projects to a panel of judges this month with the winners announced at COSLA’s annual conference and exhibition on September 19 at the Crieff Hydro Hotel.

Councillor Paul Cassidy, vice-convener of the environment and regeneration committee, said: “This is the second year in a row the council has been nominated for a COSLA Excellence Award and it’s testament to the hard work and dedication of our council officers that we’ve been recognised again.

“These projects are innovative and significant, demonstrating the benefits of collaborating with external partners.

“At Duchal Moor, the first year of our ambitious project to restore Inverclyde’s peatlands has been completed, and we are already witnessing positive outcomes from the restoration of 156 hectares of moorland.

READ MORE: Ambitious peatland restoration projects could reduce flooding across Inverclyde

"The area experiences less flooding, and a local farmer has reported a decrease in harm to his livestock.

“At Coves, reports of anti-social behaviour from our community wardens and residents have decreased.

"Additionally, there is an increase in wildlife, and the new paths are being utilized by more community groups.

“Congratulations to everyone involved in both projects, and I wish them the best of luck at the awards in September.”

The Duchal Moor project will restore an area of 788 hectares of drained peatland in Inverclyde in a bid to cut carbon emissions.

READ MORE: More than 10,000 trees planted in Inverclyde as part of £20k investment

The council was awarded £768,705 from NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION partnership to carry out the work, which began on site in January.

Meanwhile, a total of 10,600 trees have been planted at Coves, which borders Greenock and Gourock.

Work began in late February to plant the trees, which are all native Scottish species, as part of a £200,000 investment.

The local authority received the money from the Scottish Government’s nature restoration fund and commissioned Green Action Trust to carry out the work.

Both projects are designed to improve the local environment and support delivery of the council’s net zero action plan from 2022-27.