Environment secretary Caroline Spelman has announced that 12 new wildlife zones across England will receive a share of £7.5m to help increase participation in nature schemes.

The funding will go towards encouraging more local people to become involved with nature, as well as the creation of new wildlife havens and the restoration of habitats.

Projects at the Nature Improvement Areas will comprise providing heathland on brownfield sites, a new 7-hectare (17.2-acre) lagoon and a network of wildlife-friendly dewponds.

Spelman said: "The exciting wildlife projects are the result of different organisations all working together with a common purpose - to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come."

Details: www.defra.gov.uk

Image: Gail Johnson/shutterstock.com