MEADOWS and grasslands are to be restored to their colourful glory in the Causeway and Glens area with the help of a lottery grant.
The 'Don't Mow, Let it Grow' project will unleash the potential of public grasslands, road verges and flower-rich meadows in a bid to help local wildlife.
Invasive species which pose a threat to our natural heritage, such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed, will also be managed and where possible eradicated.
The three-year initiative by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has been earmarked for £135,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
A development grant of £9,000 has been awarded to help fully develop the plans.
An important part of the project will be convincing the local community of the benefits of allowing native wildflowers to grow, flower and set seed and not cut them back.
Volunteers will be recruited to take part in surveying and recording the species and habitats and an education programme will help raise awareness of the wider benefits of the project.
Paul Mullan from HLF said: "This exciting project has the potential to transform how we manage our public grasslands. It will restore native grasslands and meadows that were once an important part of our natural heritage, allowing them to grow and flourish.
"It will also have huge benefits for the environment and the host of insects and wildlife that live in these habitats.
"Thanks to National Lottery players we are able to earmark £135,000 for this local project which has the potential to be of national importance, and we are delighted to be involved."
