A Scottish council is leading the way to highlight nature conservation and protect rare species.

North Lanarkshire Council has launched a new biodiversity action plan, to support and ensure the survival of important species and unique environments.

The plan is a conservation blueprint that brings together voluntary organisations, public sector agencies, local conservation groups, industrial and commercial organisations, local schools and colleges and neighbouring local authorities.

The area, normally associated with its industrial past, is also home to a wide range of species, and the plan aims to ensure that they continue to prosper.

There are red squirrel in the Carron Forest and a rare species of newt that lives in Gartcosh.

The former Ravenscraig site provides a home to a population of grayling butterflies, which are usually found in coastal areas and an are in Cumbernauld provides the winter home of Scotland's only population of bean geese.

Councillor Helen McKenna, Convener of the council’s Environmental Services Committee, said: "We launched our first Biodiversity Action Plan in 1999, in the last ten years it has helped guide our actions and inform our decisions, ensuring we always aim to support and preserve the wildlife of our area.

"This second plan will continue the good work we have already put in place, and help to maintain North Lanarkshire’s unique natural environment. It will help us to increase public awareness of, and involvement in, conservation efforts; and it will identify priorities for conservation in North Lanarkshire.

"Putting the plan into action is a partnership effort. We work with a wide range of partners, including the Forestry Commission, Central Scotland Forest Trust and Scottish Natural Heritage. I look forward to continuing those partnerships and to watching our wildlife continue to flourish and grow."

To mark the launch of the plan, pupils from Gartsherrie Primary in Coatbridge helped countryside rangers plant a 'bumblebee garden' in the grounds of Summerlee Heritage Centre, which will now form part of the part of centre's Industrial Wildlife Trail.

Plants for the garden were specially chosen for their scents, which will attract and support butterflies and bees.