A NEW initiative which aims to raise awareness of the county's mountain landscapes is under way. The two-year Flora and Fells project, led by the Friends of the Lake District and English Nature, hopes to promote the county's floral diversity and public understanding of local conservation issues.

The scheme, which will target the farming community, residents and visitors, is officially launched next month. A book, website, touring exhibition and a series of guided walks will also form part of the initiative.

Project officer Martin Varley said: "This project recognises that the mountain landscapes of the Lake District and the Pennines are important to different people in different ways. The flora of the fells has a cultural, biodiversity and landscape value as well as economic value and if we can get this message across to people, then it will help to drive home how important these areas are."

April 24, 2003 10:30