Alliance Environment spokesperson John Blair MLA has welcomed the creation of a new £400,000 environment fund by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), aiming to more easily connect people to the natural environment.

The Environmental Challenge Competition is open to local councils and not-for-profit organisations who want to apply for funding for local projects such as new paths, trails and greenways. The fund is also open to applicants wanting to purchase land for the management and protection of habitats and species as well as for the use of technology to improve outdoors access.

Applications for funding close at noon on Tuesday 27 August.

Responding to the announcement, John Blair MLA said, “This is welcome news from DAERA, which provides an opportunity for local councils and others to work, hopefully engaging the community, to enhance our local environment and protect natural habitats.”