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NEARLY a quarter of a million pounds have been raised for a European protected species by two district councils.
South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse District Councils have helped raise more than £240,000 over the last three years to save great crested newt habitats.
The councils have a Natural England licence allowing them to allow developers to undertake work that may impact the newts.
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In return, the developers invest in habitat creation and maintenance, providing the newts with new places to thrive.
So far 13 developments have been authorised – five in South Oxfordshire and eight in the Vale.
These have resulted in 23 high quality great crested newt ponds being created as well as 116 hectares of terrestrial habitat.
Funds are also secured to ensure management and monitoring of this habitat for at least the next 25 years.
