The Lake District Foundation is helping develop conservation projects in the North.

Between £250 and £500 from the foundation's small grants fund have been handed out to three Cumbrian organisations with the aim to making the Lake District and Cumbria an inspirational example of sustainable development.

Successful recipients of the funds can put the money towards anything they choose so as long as it supports a prosperous local economy by giving visitors a world-class experience of the vibrant communities that come together to sustain the landscape, wildlife and heritage in the Lakes.

One such grant was awarded in partnership with Borrowdale Primary School, which has around 40 pupils.

The fund will help educate children in red squirrel conservation efforts and will work with the school to make red squirrels a part of the children’s outdoor activities.

The Ullswater Catchment Management CIC and Friends of Ullswater Way have also received funds to support cultural heritage and conserve an abudance of wildlife.

Lake District Foundation’s CEO, Sarah Swindley, said: “We were thrilled with the amount of interest in the fund and delighted we can support community and volunteer-led groups who are delivering practical conservation and some with a youth focus.”