Efforts to enhance the sustainable management of Devon's landscapes have been handed a £3.1m funding boost from the European Regional Development Fund.

Devon County Council (DCC) is leading the Cordiale scheme, which has been awarded the grant to help explore challenges facing the natural environment in the years ahead. DCC is one of five partners in the South West involved with the initiative, which also involves the University of Plymouth and South West Protected Landscapes Forum.

The North Devon and Tamar Valley Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are also working on the scheme, alongside four partner authorities in northern France. Roger Croad, DCC's cabinet member for environmental and regulatory services, said: "Devon County Council is at the forefront of this project which will support the long term future of our protected landscapes."