Earlier this year communities were asked for ideas to help improve nature and biodiversity, as part of a greenspace participatory budgeting exercise.

The ideas had to improve, enhance, restore, and increase habitats and greenspaces to help local environments to become more resilient to climate change while creating more sustainable areas. 

A total of 34 suggestions were submitted which have been assessed and 18 projects are now shortlisted for a public vote which runs until 30 September.

“We were very pleased with the ideas that were suggested,” said Nicole Paterson, Head of Environmental Assets.

“There’s already some great work to restore nature happening across North Lanarkshire and it’s encouraging to see the interest and enthusiasm from local communities to continue this positive work.

“The project suggestions include sowing wildflowers, planting flowers and bulbs, installing bird and bat boxes, tree planting and restoration of greenspaces to encourage wildlife. All these ideas will also contribute to the success of our North Lanarkshire Biodiversity Action Plan.

“We’re now asking members of the public across North Lanarkshire to choose five ideas which will be delivered using money awarded to the council from the Nature Restoration Fund.”

To see the list of project and use your vote, visit www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/leisure-parks-and-culture/greenspace-participatory-budgeting

The winning projects will be announced in October.

Participatory budgeting was introduced under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act to encourage more community participation and to direct resources to communities where it is most needed allowing communities to have a say in how public money is spent.