A GROUP set up to help reinvigorate a huge area of parkland which takes in part of Inverclyde is looking for new members.

The Friends of Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park want to help local residents learn more about its hills and moorland, and to restore the habitats and biodiversity which have been eroded in recent years.

The park covers 108 square miles and it stretches across Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.

Members are keen to work with local authorities and private landowners to bring areas of disused land in the park back into community use, and to make the park more accessible to the general public.

Joseph Greenlees, who leads the Yearn Stane project, says the draining of peatland and deforesting in recent years has had a huge impact on the landscape.

He said: "There should be mosaic habitats up all of the valleys in the park but that's all been lost.

"We want to see more people working on the land and to see people reinvesting in the infrastructure of the park.

"It's a restorative process and we're trying to bring people together."

Bruce Newlands, chair of community group Inverclyde Shed, says the Friends can help tap into funding sources to kickstart developments.

He said: "There's great potential for this area but it's not being realised.

"It can be developed in ways much more in line with nature.

"There could be a community orchard and crop-growing activities, which would help with food security.

"We can help educate communities and local residents on how best to manage the whole process.

"It's about us facilitating these developments."

Gerard Devaney, the secretary of Friends of Clyde Muirshiel, says forming a strong group of people who want to see positive developments in the area will help the park move forward.

He added: "As Scotland prepares for COP26, this piece of land can really help us move towards our carbon neutral targets.

"If we form a big enough and strong enough group, there's potential for the community to take ownership of the land.

"When the potential is realised, if it's done properly, it will be a fantastic asset for the community."

Depute Provost David Wilson has thrown his full support behind the group.

He said: "I really welcome the group and their aspirations and I am happy to be a contributor and a member.

"I have been assured that Inverclyde Council will engage with the group."

To find out more about the group visit www.friendsofmuirshiel.org or email contact@friendsofmuirshiel.org