A CALL has gone out for groups in West Dunbartonshire to apply for grants to improve access to greenspaces

Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All has opened two grant schemes offering thousands of pounds to groups looking to enhance local paths.

The grants of up to £3,000 per project aim to “empower communities” to improve access and help residents become more active.

Last year, community groups from across the country successfully applied for grants, allowing them to undertake a variety of projects including clearing routes and improving signage.

John Duffy, senior development officer of Paths for All’s active environments team, said: “We are inviting community organisations to apply for a grant of up to £3,000 to create, develop or maintain paths in their local area. Our community path grant schemes aim to create safe, accessible and welcoming environments for everyone to be active.

“In the past, these grants have enabled groups to make small changes that improve people’s everyday lives, allowing them to get outside, enjoy active travel and be in contact with nature.

“There are two grants available - so pick the one that’s best for your group and your area and apply today.”

The “community path your choice” grant, a new Paths for All grant scheme supported by Scottish Natural Heritage, is offering up to £1,500 to provide groups with the resources they need to upgrade, promote, and maintain path networks near where they live. The “your choice” element of this grant means that projects will be entered into a vote to determine which groups receive grants. The deadline for applications is June 25.

The “community active travel” grant, supported by Transport Scotland. Community groups can be awarded up to £3,000 for a variety of path projects, but they must make it easier for people to walk or cycle as part of their everyday, short journeys. The deadline for the active travel grant is July 6.

Paths for All is also hosting funding workshops over the coming weeks to help groups with their applications. For more information on the grants and funding workshops, visit pathsforall.org.uk.

Paths for All is a partnership of organisations committed to promoting walking for health and the development of multi-use path networks in Scotland. We champion walking in Scotland for everyone, everyday and everywhere.

The said their aim is to significantly increase the number of people who choose to walk - whether that’s leisure walking or active-choice walking to work, school or shops. They want to create a “happier, healthier Scotland”, where increased physical activity improves quality of life and wellbeing for all.

Mr Duffy added: “We work to create more opportunities and better environments not just for walking, but also for cycling and other activities, to help make Scotland a more active, more prosperous, greener country.