Grant to open up Leicestershire nature reserves
People are to be given a greater opportunity to enjoy Leicestershire's countryside thanks to a £100,000 grant.
Two Access to Nature Officers have been recruited by Charnwood Borough Council to organise events and activities to encourage more use of green areas.
These will include volunteering programmes, educational walks, bush craft sessions and mobility schemes.
Also, Stonebow Washlands, Charnwood Water and Booth Wood will get Local Nature Reserve status.
Officials said this had the potential to attract more external funding.
The council said the money from Natural England would help them work with other organisations on larger projects.
Councillor Peter Lewis, lead member for leisure and environment, said: "There really is some truly superb countryside and stunning green spaces in Charnwood and we would like everyone to be able to enjoy and make the most of them.
"We would like to thank Natural England for this money which will help increase people's sense of ownership of, and involvement in, local natural spaces and green spaces."