Work has started on the creation of the parks, landscapes and green spaces which form part of a huge housing and retail development in Aberdeen.
Plans are in place to build 4,700 homes, shops and business facilities at the Grandhome development in Bridge of Don.
It is hoped the new project could house 11,500 residents, and create up to 600 jobs.
The Grandhome Trust has received a £7.9million loan from the Scottish Government for the project from the £50million housing and infrastructure fund, aimed at increasing the supply of homes across Scotland.
But, in addition to homes, the developers are seeking to make the community one of the greenest in the region.
More than 1,200 trees – including a range of native species such as beech, birch, hazel and willow – will be planted on the site, along with extensive sowing of grasses and wildflowers.
Around seven and a half acres of parkland is being created to the west of the site where the first homes will be built.
Janet Benton, the director of the project, said the inclusion of natural spaces was important to the overall design of Grandhome.
She added: “We are delivering a significant amount of new green space in the first phase of the community, including the formal green areas that frame the entrance to the community, and a large area of parkland to the west.
“These areas are just the beginning of a much wider network of green space that will connect neighbourhoods within the new development and link them to the existing communities nearby, as well as to the wider landscape.
“The work involves major earth shaping and, during the growing season, more than 1,200 trees will be planted and grasses and wildflower mixes sown to establish both formal and more naturalistic elements.
“This will frame the first homes and provide amenity for both new and existing residents.
“By introducing a richer range of habitats in the landscape, there will also be a net gain in terms of ecological and environmental benefits.”
Work on the first homes in the new community is expected to begin later this spring.
