A sum of £3.5 million is set to improve rural projects across Northumberland.

Various initiatives, from a flagship mountain bike trail to solar panel installations on community centres, are receiving the funding.

The Rural Asset Multiplier Pilot Programme (RAMP) secured this amount through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UK SPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).

The UK Government is funding the programme, with the North East Combined Authority (NECA) as the lead authority.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, deputy leader of Northumberland County Council, said: "This is a fantastic scheme bringing another boost to our rural economy.

"The RAMP programme is supporting projects large and small, from improvements to a threshing barn to create an accessible creative arts activity space, through to major developments at the National Park.

"What they all have in common is a focus on growing the economy, enhancing the environment, and supporting rural communities.

"Projects are delivering locally led and integrated approaches to tackling economic, environmental and community challenges and taking advantage of opportunities throughout rural Northumberland."

Focused initially in two pilot areas, the schemes aim to enhance rural community facilities, health and wellbeing, volunteer opportunities, and community resilience.

Among the 14 projects in progress are plans to upgrade Hauxley Nature Reserve for volunteers and visitors, install solar panels and batteries on community buildings across the county, and develop a sustainable travel and transport plan for Holy Island.

A world-class accessible mountain bike trail is also set to be created in Kielder Forest.

In the National Park, projects worth £1.1 million are investing in skills and training to develop "green careers", improving access at key visitor attractions, developing accessible pedestrian and cycle routes, and delivering activities to enhance the health and wellbeing of local communities.

Proposals also include improving access at two popular tourist sites, Walltown Country Park and Hareshaw Linn, boosting access to green jobs for young people in the region, and promoting and improving understanding and access to the National Park as a key resource for health and wellbeing.

Tony Gates, chief executive of Northumberland National Park, said: "This funding is a welcome boost to Northumberland National Park Authority in this, the 75th year of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949.

"The UK is currently facing crises of nature, health and climate and National Parks can help to address some of society’s greatest challenges.

"Our three flagship projects will connect more people with the landscape for their greater well-being, create new career paths to green jobs which will help tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, and enhance the overall experience for people visiting Northumberland National Park with more accessible walking routes through the Miles without Stiles standard.

"We’re delighted to be working with the North East Combined Authority and Northumberland County Council to realise the positive impact Northumberland National Park can have on these critical issues and to demonstrate the impact and contribution to the regeneration of the North East."

Elsewhere in the county, RAMP projects are also delivering throughout the Northumberland coast including Lesbury Community Hub, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Holy Island of Lindisfarne Community Development Trust, and the Northumberland Coast National Landscape.

Community organisations or businesses interested in finding out more about the RAMP Programme and future opportunities should contact ruralassetmultiplierpilotprogramme@northumberland.gov.uk.