The Welsh Assembly Government has announced that £1m is to be shared by a number of projects that are designed to restore and protect the natural environment across the country.

Among the recipients is the Countryside Council for Wales, which will receive £250,000 to safeguard aquaculture and tourism at Holyhead marina by removing sea squirts.

British Waterways has been awarded £60,000 to improve visitor access and enhance nature reserves along the Montgomeryshire canal, as well as the protection of aquatic plants.

The Ecosystem Resilience, Diversity and Compliance Fund will distribute the grants, which had received more than £22m worth of project proposals.

Welsh environment and sustainable development minister John Griffiths said: "The projects have been chosen because they offer benefits to the people, economy and wildlife of Wales."