NATURAL Resources Wales (NRW) has said the quality of applications by environment projects for a multi-million-pound funding boost has been high.

The environmental organisation announced last week they are planning to invest £4.2 million in projects across the country in a bid to improve the environment; 206 bids were made for the scheme with a combined value of £18million.

The successful bidders, which have already been chosen, will now enter discussions with NRW. The projects will then be refined before contracts are signed.

One of the projects which has been approved is by the environmental organisation Groundwork Wales, which works in the South Wales Valleys and the Caerphilly area.

Ceri Davies, executive director for knowledge, strategy and planning for NRW, said: “We have been delighted at the quality and innovation of applications in response to this funding opportunity.

“The successful projects will help some of our most threatened wildlife, improve habitats plus increase access to some of Wales’ most spectacular landscapes.”

Ms Davies said the purpose of NRW is to ensure the environment and natural resources are maintained, enhanced and used.

She said: “We cannot do this alone and there is enormous value in developing projects and partnerships.

“This is especially important as public sector budgets continue to reduce. While we do not have the budget to fund all the bids, we will contact all unsuccessful bidders to work with them to help strengthen their applications for future opportunities.”