PLANS for nature reserves in the Wee County are set to be proposed as part of a commitment to improve biodiversity in the area.

The pledge came as Clacks councillors approved the local authority’s Biodiversity Duty Report, which all public bodies are required to compile to show what they are doing to protect nature and the environment. 

An action plan is expected to be drawn up in the coming months, but a key aspect of that will be to work with communities, developers and landowners to identify and establish areas of land that can be protected and enhanced.

Officers have also promised to develop biodiversity and countryside awareness in schools, and within the community, and improve access to quality greenspace.

Clacks Council will also continue to make the most of accessible grant funding, specifically to deliver landscape-scale conservation projects. 

Lawrence Hunter, from the local authority's energy and sustainability team, said: “The recent declaration by Clackmannanshire Council of a Climate Change emergency provides significant opportunities for Clackmannanshire to set a course that will modernise and transform the local area for the future while reaping the economic benefits emerging from the transition away from fossil fuels in transport, heating and electricity generation, coupled with promotion of the circular economy and enhancement of the natural environment that supports us. 

“The council is already committed to putting in place strategies, policies and plans for the coming years to protect and enhance greenspace, improve sustainability, increase the environment’s resilience to climate change, and enhance biodiversity. 

“Biodiversity is a fundamental part of our everyday lives and provides for social, economic and emotional wellbeing. 

“In addition, positive steps to encourage and maintain biodiversity lead to financial benefits for the council and the local community.”

Various successes were highlighted to councillors in the Biodiversity Duty Report, such as the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative which improved access to key natural and built heritage sites in the area. 

Projects within the scheme entailed the provision of good quality and well sign-posted paths and trails, enabling visitors and local residents to move easily around the landscape.

Another was the Wanderings and Windings project, which saw nine heritage trails developed around Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, Fife and Stirling. 

Those took in nature hotspots, historic buildings, riverside views, cultural landmarks and other places where people could escape from the bustle of urban life.