Plans for over 1,000km of new off-road walking and cycling routes linking Glasgow city centre to surrounding parks and nature areas are to be launched in May. The ambition is that by 2050, no-one in the City Region will be more than a five-minute walk from greenspace that connects to the wider Green Network.

Glasgow Live reports that the Glasgow and Clyde Valley Green Network Partnership has prepared proposals on behalf of the eight local authorities in the Glasgow City Region.

The project would look to link areas such as Cuningar Woodland Park, Pollok Country Park, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Kelvingrove Park and Castle Semple Country Park.

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The estimated cost of the Green Network is £1.1bn, equivalent to around £33m a year.

However, it is estimated that for every £1 spent on Green Network and Green Infrastructure development that at least £2.14 in benefit is returned.

Stuart Tait, chair of the Partnership, said: “As well as these benefits, the impact the Green Network will have on the region economically can’t be underestimated. To attract, retain and protect business interests with crucial green infrastructure must be a key goal. Active travel routes, flood mitigation and a generally attractive environment all contribute to business location decisions.

“The Partnership’s Green Network Strategy sets out these benefits and quantifies what needs to happen to make the Green Network a reality.”