Communities across the central belt can bring environmental and health benefits to their areas by bidding for a share of a fund worth up to £400,000.

The 2018-19 round of the Central Scotland Green Network (CSGN) funding will offer investment to projects promoting active travel, woodland planting, community growing and restoring land. Since 2010 £6.3 million has been invested in more than 180 projects.

Cabinet secretary for the environment, climate change and land reform, Roseanna Cunningham, opened the latest round of funding on a visit to the New Caledonian Woodlands Ltd, which received investment in the 2017-18 round.

She said: “Since 2010 this investment has helped more than 180 projects improve green spaces in their local areas.

“Whether that’s been through community growing, woodland planting or increasing awareness of cycle and walking routes, each of these community projects is playing a role in our ambitions to create a cleaner and greener Scotland.

“As I prepare to discuss Scotland’s green ambitions at the UN climate change convention this weekend, it’s more important than ever that we recognise how these small individual actions can play a role in reducing emissions, and why getting together to improve our green spaces is so crucial.”

Keith Geddes, chair of the Central Scotland Green Network Trust, said: “We are proud to continue our support of the CSGN Development Fund, helping to improve the lives of people living, working and visiting Scotland’s Central Belt and support the delivery of a better natural environment.

“Through the Development Fund, we have been able to support a range of worthwhile projects across the region, helping them to make a real difference through the invaluable work they carry out.

“We are looking forward to the next round of applications and are keen to hear from eligible projects that are supporting and creating woodland areas, green infrastructure, active travel as well as those encouraging community growing.”

Andy Ross, coordinator New Caledonian Woodlands, added: “Through our work, we are engaging local people in stewardship of native species woodlands and thus growing a thriving woodland culture, which results in healthier and more widely used local woodlands.

“Other tangible fruits of our efforts include fuel-wood, woodcraft, coppice products, apple juice, jam and chutney – high quality items handcrafted by local people using local materials.”

Further information and eligibility criteria.