Stevenston beach park’s is set for a £500,000 boost after the F.R.I.E.N.D.S environmental group put a number of plans forward.
The organisation is working alongside North Ayrshire Council to enhance the natural landscape and make it a more interesting place for people to visit.
One proposal is to include the site in the council tree planting strategy, which was introduced earlier this year, to plant 108,000 new trees across North Ayrshire by 2030.
The first phase is to increase the 'natural area to promote biodiversity' but the park closest to the residential properties will keep its maintained lawn.
And F.R.I.E.N.D.S hopes to expand the two current areas of woodland towards the eastern boundary of the park by planting more trees.
Dune restoration works are also in the works for the future in a bid to encourage biodiversity.
North Ayrshire Council will contribute a £500,000 investment fund to support community tree planting.
Councillor Jim Montgomerie, cabinet member for green new deal and sustainability, said: “We are delighted to support these proposals from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
“These plans mark the latest step taken by the group to protect and enhance the area and they show just how committed its members are to improving the local environment.
“Increasing the natural area and tree planting, in the right locations, are not only an effective way to absorb carbon from the atmosphere, but also provide a wealth of other benefits such as enhancing biodiversity and reducing flood risk.
“The climate emergency is happening now, and it will take a collective effort to help stop its devastating impact on communities across the world. That’s why community involvement just like that from F.R.I.E.N.D.S is key.
“We look forward to working with them and seeing the plans come to fruition.”
Iain Hamlin, secretary of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, added: “We are currently working with the council on a variety of projects to establish community orchards, plant new woodlands and create a variety of grassland and wetland habitats in several greenspaces in North Ayrshire.
“The Stevenston beach park project is already paying dividends in terms of biodiversity enhancement, with new wild areas playing host to lots of wildlife – from small, subtle creatures such as mining bees and ground beetles, to more spectacular additions such as barn owls.”
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