AN ENERGY firm based in the Wee County has announced that it will provide funding to support eco-tourism in Clackmannanshire.

Alloa-based GreenPower has thrown its support behind Clackmannanshire's local eco-tourism initiative by contributing funding to help develop the visitor facilities at the RSPB's Black Devon Wetlands Nature Reserve.

Black Devon Wetlands is a reserve comprised of a mosaic of wetland habitats including freshwater pools, brackish pools and reed beds. RSPB Scotland aims to improve these habitats so that they are rich in wildlife and accessible to all.

GreenPower's financial support will encourage visitors to engage with and understand more about the species that can be found in the Reserve.

More specifically, the cash injection will pay for two pond dipping interpretive panels on the boardwalk where local residents, school pupils and tourists alike can learn more about the "mini-beasts" contained within.

The pond dipping platforms are already being well used by schools in the county and community groups and the new interpretive panels will ensure there will be interest in the site for many years to come.

Julie Kirk, business manager at GreenPower said: "GreenPower are keen to support the on-going development and promotion of the Black Devon Wetlands to the local community in Alloa. It is a very special place."

GreenPower staff visited Black Devon Wetlands to experience first-hand the difference the area is making to the local environment.

Julie continued: "Our staff had a fabulous time at the reserve and were impressed to see the work that has already been carried out and the variety of wildlife that now inhabits the area".

GreenPower are long-term supporters of RSPB and this year they will sponsor the RSPB Nature of Scotland Community Initiative Award for the sixth year running.

The award celebrates outstanding community-based initiatives that benefit nature and reflects well GreenPower's own commitment to working with communities to deliver sustainable energy projects.

GreenPower, a multi-award winning business, was founded in 2000 and is owned by Robert Forrest, one of the early pioneers and leaders of the renewable energy industry in the UK.

From its base in the e-Centre, Alloa, GreenPower has been and remains an independent Scottish business and has previously formed a number of successful project joint ventures with global businesses including GE Wind and Norwegian utility company, Statkraft.