The distinctive landscape of the Elan Valley is one of three projects in Wales set to benefit from its share of more than £6m worth of investment, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced.

The Elan Valley project joins the Living Levels and Clwydian Range and Dee Valley projects as recipients of this HLF funding. All are recognised as areas of great beauty – and they all have the potential to use their natural landscapes and wildlife, distinctive buildings, local traditions and stories and even industrial archaeology to increase tourism and boost jobs through carefully planned conservation and renovation activity.

The multi-million pound investment will protect these landscapes as well as inspiring local people and organisations to come together to develop the full economic potential bringing increased prosperity and other regeneration benefits to the countryside.

This significant funding will give people at the heart of these rural communities the power to play an active role in deciding how these extraordinary places will be looked after and managed for their benefit in the future. The latest investment will see 3,000 training opportunities created, as well as a similar amount of volunteering opportunities.

Making the announcement, Richard Bellamy, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, said: “Our stunning landscapes define the very character of Wales and are as much a part of who we are as our castles, language and rugby. They are as much loved by the people who call Wales home as by tens of thousands of tourists who visit them.

“These fragile places must be conserved. However, if carefully managed, our landscape and countryside can also play a vital role in growing our nation’s economy.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we now have the chance to support three stunning areas, each with their own individual character and rich man-made heritage. They will now be looked after in a holistic and appropriate manner, harnessing their economic potential to the benefit of everyone who lives and works there.”

The funding has been provided through HLF’s Landscape Partnership programme, which provides grants for schemes aiming to conserve areas of distinctive landscape character.

Tourism is crucial to the Elan Valley and surrounding area’s economy, with over 150,000 visitors enjoying the spectacular scenery annually. While safeguarding local species and habitats, the funding will enable the project to engage more effectively with tourists and local people alike, ensuring a full appreciation of the area’s diverse beauty and its important water function.