Council reveals details of bid for marine funding

A BID to enable a series of groundbreaking projects to support and help vulnerable species flourish within the National Marine Park has been submitted by Plymouth City Council.

- DANIEL CLARK

As well as building on a range of existing research and nature recovery innovations, projects under the park's 'nature boost programme' will support the recovery of some iconic species of Plymouth Sound.

Details of the ambitious programme have been finalised. Cllr Tudor Evans, leader of Plymouth City Council, has signed off a decision to formally submit the delivery stage bid for the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park (PSNMP) Horizons Project to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

The council has also agreed to underwrite the project by £2 million as part of match-funding support for the bid. During the test and trial phase, the council spoke directly to 10,000 people, inspired over 7,000 school children, reached millions through its digital engagement and motivated over 200 people to become volunteers.

The National Marine Park Horizons Project is expected to bring environmental, heritage and economic benefits and open up accessibility to some of the city's key waterside gems which have been 'under loved' over the years, including Mount Batten Battery.

Tinside will be another 'hub' with a new terrace where people can enjoy refreshments, as will Mount Edgcumbe, where visitors will be able to learn about the Sound's history.

Plans have already been approved to create a café and bar on a revamped terrace at the top of Plymouth's Tinside Lido. The council's proposals would also spruce up Mount Batten and Mount Edgcumbe.

Cllr Evans said: "This is an extraordinary programme designed to reverse some of the long-term damage man has done to its environment and it has been created in such a brilliant way example, we For help oysters to flourish again they help us by helping to filter the water. I love it! The passion, the careful thinking, the extensive conversations with charities and organisations here in Plymouth to make these projects come alive and appeal to everyone is inspiring.