Nearly 30 individual projects that form part of the Belfast Hills Landscape Partnership (LP) scheme are to benefit from £1.15m of support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Last year, the partnership's proposals were awarded initial support and have now secured a full grant from the funding agency, following 12 months of detailed planning.

The Belfast Hills LP scheme comprises more than 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres) of hills that surround Belfast, Lisburn, Newtonabbey and Antrim, including a number of public sites.

A total of 29 projects involving the conservation and restoration of built and natural heritage features are proposed, along with the installation of new and upgraded access routes.

Paul Mullan, head of HLF Northern Ireland, said: "The new LP scheme will enable local communities to rediscover and engage with the heritage on their doorstep."

Belfast Hills development manager Dr Lizzy Pinkerton added: "The Landscape Partnership Scheme will be the impetus for an ongoing process of growth and development that will result in a sustainable legacy for our landscape and its people."