A CONSERVATION project based in the south Lakes has received a financial boost.

The Heritage Lottery Fund granted £763,300 to South Cumbria Rivers Trust.

The money will go towards managing the Conserving Coniston and Crake Project.

Improvement of the catchment's water quality, habitats and biodiversity are the aims of the project, with a local committee working to support the landscape and wildlife.

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

The project are looking for volunteers to join the existing crew.

Conserving Coniston and 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.”

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

Charlotte Hall said:"It is a big deal for a small charity, it is important to our community base."

The volunteer-led project relies on community involvement and is due to start in the summer.