PIONEERS for nature are being sought to help inspire community action in central Scotland.

The Scottish Wildlife Trust is looking to recruit 12 people from the Forth Valley area to undertake a skills development course over the next six months.

The free course, part of the trust's Nextdoor Nature Pioneers Programme, will provide them with the understanding, resources and confidence needed to organise action for nature where they live.

It involves a combination of online learning, interactive web-based seminars and in-person events.

Each participant will also be supported to deliver a community project that benefits both wildlife and people, such as community gardens, wildlife ponds and improving valuable river habitats.

The 12 people sought will be part of the second cohort in the programme, focusing on the Forth Valley area, while the programme is already ongoing for the first cohort from the Glasgow area.

Pete Haskell, head of communications and engagement at the trust, said: “After nearly a year of development, we’re delighted that the first cohort is underway.

“Plenty of people want to do more to help wildlife but knowing where to start can be a major barrier.

“Through the Pioneers Programme, we are providing participants with the broad range of skills and understanding required to mobilise their communities to take action for nature.

“Taking this community organising approach to our engagement work will mean a longer lasting impact in a larger number of places across Scotland.”

Those interested can visit scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/our-work/our-projects/nextdoor-nature/ to find out more.