HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds of Heritage Lottery Fund cash is to be used to improve water quality and animal habitats in an area of the Lake District.

South Cumbria Rivers Trust has received confirmation of a grant of £763,300 to manage the Conserving Coniston and Crake project which will also improve biodiversity through conservation and community engagement.

The spectacular landscape around Coniston Water and the Crake Valley is enjoyed by many and is a mosaic of different habitats, and home to rare species including Atlantic Salmon, Arctic Charr, otters and bats.

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However, problems such as poor water quality, invasive non-native species and man-made changes to the natural habitats mean that the lake and rivers and their wildlife are under threat.

The Conserving Coniston & Crake project will work alongside the local communities to support the landscape and wildlife which are so important to the history and cultural identity of the area.

Through Conserving Coniston & Crake, the Coniston & Crake Catchment Partnership and the South Cumbria Rivers Trust will be working in partnership with existing volunteers and local people and organisations on a wide range of practical conservation projects and community events.

Activities for families and local schools, community arts, and an oral history project will be parts of an extensive programme for locals and visitors alike. Anyone wishing to get involved and learn new skills should visit www.ccc.scrt.co.uk to find out more about the project, how to get involved and to sign up to local events.

Conserving Coniston & Crake Project officer Charlotte Hall said: "We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. The Coniston and Crake Valley is a beautiful place to live, and very popular with visitors. However, the lake, river and becks are under threat. This local community project will help raise awareness of the issues and make sure that we have the clean water and habitats to support our native plants and wildlife for the years to come.”

Nathan Lee, Head of HLF North West said: “We are delighted to provide funding for this project, which, through National Lottery players, will ensure that the beauty and biodiversity of one of the Lake District’s most famous lakes, Coniston Water, is preserved for all the visitors and local communities that enjoy it.”

The project is run by South Cumbria Rivers Trust and the Coniston & Crake Catchment Partnership, working together with the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and other local and national organisations.