Two areas in west Oxfordshire have been singled out as special attractions of the Cotswolds.

Charlbury and Wychwood Forest share the distinction with the Tetbury area, in Gloucestershire, and will benefit from a £1.4m Heritage Lottery grant, under a Caring for the Cotswolds project.

The project is one of several schemes earmarked for help by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership. In addition, landowners will receive grants to maintain 4,000 miles of drystone walls, and traditional village crafts and businesses will also benefit.

West Oxfordshire district councillor Verena Hunt, who serves on the partnership, said: "It is really good news that we have government money coming here.

"West Oxfordshire is the second largest district authority within the Cotswolds, which is second only to the Lake District as an area of outstanding natural beauty. The area around Charlbury and the Wychwoods was selected as one of just two deserving special attention as a pilot project." The area was targeted for its local distinctiveness because it possesses some of the key landscape features, buildings and stonework that make the Cotswolds attractive to visitors.

The Wychwood Project already exists to promote woodland management and new planting in one of England's most historic forest areas.

Miss Hunt said the award would help develop traditional features in the area.

Partnership director Martin Lane said: The Cotswolds are internationally recognised as a landscape of outstanding and unique beauty.

"However, the area faces huge challenges in ensuring the Cotswolds retain the qualities which make it special, and a sustainable place to live and work."