Communities in and around the Rusland Valley, in the south of the Lake District National Park, are set to benefit from improvements to the local wooded landscape over the next three years.
It comes following a £1.3m Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant.
From February, partners will begin recruiting project staff, followed by a public launch in June.
The Rusland Horizons – Working a Lakeland Landscape scheme will bring together local people, agencies and visitors to help improve the wooded landscape, revive traditional skills and learn about, enhance and enjoy the heritage, habitats and wildlife of the Rusland Valley.
The Lake District National Park will be the lead partner for the scheme, however it was members of the local community who provided the ideas for the projects which will be taken forward over three years.
The scheme is organised around four themes: Heritage Skills, Woodlands and Wildlife, Hidden Heritage and Out and About.
Colin Barr, chairman of the Rusland Valley and Fells Heritage Partnership, said: “We’re delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given us this substantial grant. It will give us the opportunity to revitalise many of the traditional woodland industries in the scheme area, as well as providing wonderful opportunities for training and enjoyable learning. It’s great to know that the HLF share our enthusiasm for this very special place.”
Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said: “The Rusland Valley is more than just beautiful scenery. It is full of ancient woodland that has played a vital role in industry for generations.
"Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will bring the woodland back into the heart of the local community, creating traineeships and boosting wildlife.
"Over the last decade we’ve invested £146m in 86 landscapes, helping communities to look after some of the UK’s most precious natural areas. Rusland Horizons will be a great example of the difference our funding can make in practice.”
Further information on the Rusland Horizons scheme can be found at: www.ruslandhorizons.org