One of Oxford's best-known wetlands is being restored in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.

Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Hugo Brunner, left, unveiling a commemorative plaque at the North Hinksey site

Work has begun to improve Hinksey Meadows after it was designated a Jubilee Wildlife Space.

The North Hinksey site was chosen for its historic value by the Oxfordshire Nature Conservation Forum, which aims to preserve wetland habitats across the county.

Over the next year, improvements will be made to its stream meander in a bid to attract more plants and wildlife. The site, owned by Oxford Preservation Trust since 1997, will be protected from further development.

Mike Bayliss, of West Oxford Wildlife Group, which is carrying out the work, said: "We will partially dig the meander out to open up the stream and restore its profile in the surrounding grassland.

"This should ensure it stays wetter for longer periods, encouraging re-colonisation of diverse wetland species and hopefully attracting some specialist wetland birds."

Debbie Dance, secretary of Oxfordshire Preservation Trust, said: "We bought the field to protect the area and we are delighted it has been given this award.

"The northern boundary of the field runs along the back of warehouses in Botley Road and there is great pressure for development so the extra protection is a real bonus.

Hinksey Meadows is the second of 10 areas to be awarded Jubilee Wildlife Space status. Work on the first, St Mary's Field, in Kidlington, is under way and the remaining sites are yet to be chosen.