A number of the UK's most iconic landscapes are in line to receive a share of £17m through the Heritage Lottery Fund's (HLF) Landscape Partnerships (LP) initiative.

The scheme, which has seen £72m invested over the past six years, is designed to help conserve areas with "distinct" character and also support projects to provide long-term benefits for rural areas. Among the 10 landscapes to receive a first-round pass from the HLF is the Clyde and Avon Valley LP in Scotland, which is in line to net £2m towards plans to introduce a programme of practical activities.

The Tees Vale and Barnard Castle, Staffordshire Moorlands and the Solway Wetlands LPs have been earmarked nearly £2m towards a range of schemes. Druridge Bay is set to benefit from nearly £1.9m. Somerset's Avalon Marshes (£1.87m); Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Northern Ireland (£1.61m); the White Cliffs of Dover (£1.6m) and the Belfast Hills (£1.2m) are also among the LPs to be been handed first-round passes, as well as the Meres and Mosses LP in Shropshire (£1.1m).

HLF chair Dame Jenny Abramsky said: "Landscapes play a huge role in our lives and are often the backdrop to daily routines - but we mustn't take them for granted. "This significant investment by the Heritage Lottery Fund is important, particularly in the International Year of Biodiversity, because it not only encourages people to work together effectively but gives them a greater sense of involvement and connection to their own local landscape."

Writer and broadcaster Nicholas Crane added: "My work has enabled me to travel the world and see some breathtaking scenery along the way. But I remain in awe of the range of landscapes we enjoy in the UK." Image: The Belfast Hills are among the recipients of HLF support