Oxfordshire wildlife sites are set to benefit from additional funding to protect their natural habitats.

South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils have pledged increased financial support for the Oxfordshire Local Wildlife Sites (LWS) Project.

The project is a long-standing scheme designed to conserve habitats of ‘significant value’ for wildlife by providing landowners with specialist advice on environmental management.

Mike Giles, South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for climate action and nature recovery, said: “Supporting Local Wildlife Sites forms a key part of the district’s most comprehensive nature plan seen in living memory.

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“Being able to work with like-minded authorities across Oxfordshire means we can ensure that wildlife continues to be protected and indeed celebrated.”

The project is a partnership of the Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust, the Thames Valley Environmental Records Centre, and Oxfordshire councils.

Under their latest budgets, both councils have pledged £10,000 per year to support the scheme’s running costs.

Dr Robert Clegg, cabinet member for environmental services, climate action, and nature recovery at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “With many of our natural habitats under pressure, it’s heartening to see such a variety of beloved British wildlife thriving at these sites.

“While it’s not yet clear if kingfishers and otters will appear on our banknotes, their presence in our districts is more secure thanks to our strengthened partnership with the project.”

Notable sites include Waterstock Mill near Wheatley, which supports otters and curlews, and the Letcombe Cressbeds near Wantage, home to rare chalk stream species.