Environment Minister Alex Attwood has said more than £4m in grants is to be spent to help protect Northern Ireland's natural environment.

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency will deliver the grants for a range of projects.

This will include projects from £5,000 to the West Belfast Partnership for an initial survey of green corridors along the edge of the city, to over £1m spread spent over five years across a range of longer term initiatives in the Mourne Mountains, Ring of Gullion and the Glens of Antrim.

Mr Attwood said: "The challenges are clear. Protection and positive development of our heritage. That is the twin track strategy. Today's funding can help this ambition.

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"This funding will not only improve a range of habitats for wildlife for RSPB, Ulster Wildlife and the National Trust but it will also bring tourist and economic benefits. There are multiple opportunities."

A selection of the projects receiving grants will see the Mourne Heritage Trust receive £1.1m over five years to continue to provide a full range of management services for the Mourne area of outstanding natural beauty; Belfast Hills Partnership will receive £254k to manage the Belfast Hills; Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust will receive £240k to carry out the Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme; and Conservation Volunteers will receive £186k over three years.

The RSPB will receive £182k over three years to deliver environmental education and Copeland Bird Observatory near Donaghadee in Co Down will receive £61,500 over five years to manage the island for the benefit of biodiversity and bird recording.

(JP/MH)