A north-east wildlife haven has been given a boost of nearly £25,000 for upgrade works so more visitors can enjoy it.
Over the last few years the footpaths and bridges at the Gight Wood Wildlife Reserve, near Methlick, have fallen into poor condition, forcing staff to close some of them for safety reasons.
Now the Scottish Wildlife Trust has received a £24,723 award from the SITA Trust to repair the pathways to allow the full walking circuit to be reopened.
Rab Potter, reserves manager for north-east Scotland at the Scottish Wildlife Trust, said: “Gight Wood is a very scenic reserve that is home to a fantastic range of native wildlife.
“Thanks to the funding from SITA Trust, we will be able to reopen the path to the public to allow them to fully experience the beauty and wildlife of this special wild place.”
Marianne Ivin, of SITA Trust, added: “We are delighted to be helping to repair the damaged path network at this wonderful reserve.
“Allowing the public to once again access the reserve and appreciate all that it has to offer will be a great result for our funding.”
Gight Wood is located on steep land sloping down to the River Ythan.
It is one of the largest and least disturbed native woodlands in Aberdeenshire and features a mix of hazel, oak and rowan trees.
The circular walk around the reserve gives visitors an opportunity to see a wide range of wildlife including otters, red squirrels and woodpeckers.