Habitat helps developers offset environmental harm

Grass snakes are one of the creatures that it is hoped can thrive in the new habitat

Fields close to the Northamptonshire/Oxfordshire border are to become a "rich mosaic" of meadows, wetlands and woodland to help boost biodiversity.

The 85 acre (34 hectare) "habitat bank" at Greatworth, near Brackley, will support species including great crested newts, common toads, grass snakes, polecats, brown hares and water vole.

Managed by Environment Bank, it is part of a national scheme which allows developers to invest in land to meet a planning requirement to offset environmental harm.

"It'll be exciting to watch the site develop and the land improve over time," said Adam Crouch, who is overseeing the project.

"Low value" arable land at Greatworth will be transformed from this...

...to this, Environment Bank said

The "low-value" arable fields were within a mile of several wildlife sites and close to the Helmdon disused railway Site of Special Scientific Interest and Farthinghoe nature reserve, Environment Bank said.

A public footpath crosses the site, allowing residents to enjoy the biodiversity as habitats mature over time, it added.

Environment Bank said its projects provided an income to rural landowners and farmers – who retain ownership – and were a "solution to tackle the critical issue of biodiversity loss and ecosystem collapse".