The council is looking for volunteers to help restore Renfrewshire's riverbanks.

Renfrewshire Council's Environmental Community Taskforce will comprise of volunteers working with biodiversity officers as part of the Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers project.

The group will tackle the damaging effects of non-native plants on riverbanks.

Scottish Government’s Nature Restoration Fund granted the council £350,000 for the project.

The plan involves removing five species, which are Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed, Rhododendron, Himalayan Balsam, and American Skunk Cabbage from riverbanks.

Sites include Calder Burn, Dargavel Burn, Locher Water, Old Patrick Water, and Sergeant Law Burn.

These plants grow alongside the watercourses and produce seeds which spread by wind and water, further replacing species-rich and native plants.

They die back each winter, resulting in soil erosion and greater flood risk, as well as releasing carbon into the atmosphere.

The restoration will bolster habitats for wildlife and pollinating insects.

Volunteers will receive a specialist-certified training course to properly identify and remove the invasive species. They will also be provided with the appropriate PPE and tools before visiting the selected sites with council officers to carry out the necessary work.

Volunteers are being sought to cover the whole growing season of April to October.

Councillor Michelle Campbell, convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Infrastructure, Land and Environment Board, said: “We want to empower local people to play an active role in improving their local environment and the Restoring Renfrewshire’s Rivers project offers the perfect chance for local people to get involved, while offering opportunities for green upskilling.

“This project aligns with our wider ambitions for Net Zero by helping to reduce carbon emissions, reduce soil erosion and make our riverbanks more resilient against flooding. It will also help to protect, restore and enhance existing plant and wildlife habitats.

“I know how passionate local people are about protecting their local environment. I’d encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch and get involved and collectively we can make a real positive difference to these areas.”

Interested volunteers can reach the team at RestoringRenfrewshiresRivers@renfrewshire.gov.uk, and by joining the Team Up to Clean Up Facebook Group.