A major railway upgrade in Oxford is set to benefit both train passengers and wildlife in the surrounding area next to the line.

In partnership with Chiltern Railways, Network Rail is helping to create purpose-built habitats for newts, badgers, bats and swallows beside the railway.

Chiltern Railways is set to launch services from Oxford to London from December this year and by then it's hoped there will be 10,000 square metres more of trackside habitat.

This will include 11,000 trees, wildflower grasslands and hedgerows, among other natural additions.

Passenger benefits include 5km of two-track railway, improved track layouts to allow for more trains to pass through the line, new bridges are being built and the track beds will be widened.

Andy Milne, senior programme manager for Network Rail, said: "As well as providing a great new option for Oxford commuters and significant economic benefits to the city, this scheme is trying to tread as lightly as possible on the natural environment.

"We are replacing valuable line-side ecosystems, with animals such as badgers and great-crested newts being sensitively relocated."