An ambitious campaign is under way to transform a neglected dumping ground into a haven for wildlife and nature.
The £29,000 drive has been launched at Coupar Angus by the award-winning Pride of Place committee.
The group has teamed up with the Take a Pride in Perthshire Association for a much needed clear-up of the burn which runs along the edge of town.
Over the years, the once-scenic spot has become overgrown and strewn with rubbish.
The project, which got under way on Monday, has been funded with £10,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £12,000 from Perth and Kinross Council’s community challenge fund and £7,000 of Leader money.
Pride of Place (PoP) chairwoman Anne Easson said: “The purpose of the project is to provide balanced management to enhance the area for nature conservation and biodiversity and to provide a new amenity for residents and to help reduce the risk of flooding.”
The work involves cutting back and removing certain trees and replanting with native species.
Nesting boxes and bat boxes will be installed, while paths and seating will be created at the western edge of the burn.
Coupar Angus Primary pupils will also get involved. The youngsters are studying the area’s natural and cultural heritage and their findings will be used to create information boards and visitor leaflets.
The main work will be carried out by Community treeCycle, a community enterprise based in nearby Alyth.
The group works in partnership with JobCentre Plus and Community Job Scotland to offer work experience placements for unemployed 18 to 25-year-olds.
If all goes well, the work should be completed by October.
Mrs Easson said: “The burn will be transformed into a wonderful haven for wlidlife and resource for the community, rather than looking over-grown and becoming a dumping ground.”
A variety of species including otters, beavers, bats, kingfishers and trout have been spotted in the burn.
Last year, the Pride of Place group secured another gold win for Coupar Angus in the Britain in Bloom awards.
The group, which was established more than a decade ago, is behind a series of local projects including a large stone monolith at the gateway to the town and a memorial bench and flower garden at the Common.
