THE Cotswolds Visitor Giving Scheme, which raises money for conservation projects in the area of outstanding natural beauty, has a new celebrity supporter.

The Cotswold Farm Park, near Guiting Power in Gloucestershire, run by BBC Countryfile TV presenter Adam Henson, will donate 25p to the scheme from every park membership sold this year.

Mr Henson will also give 25p per membership sold to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

Burford-based holiday lettings company Manor Cottages has already raised more than £7,000 for the visitor giving scheme, managed by the Cotswolds Conservation Board, by asking clients to make a donation when they book their holiday homes.

The money has already funded several conservation projects involving river restoration, ancient woodland management and footpath improvements across the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which includes much of West Oxfordshire north of Burford, Witney and Woodstock.

Mr Henson said: “I consider it a privilege to live and work in such a beautiful part of the country and I know many of our visitors and members share my feelings on how important it is to care for our environment.

“This is a great way for us all to join together in support of the conservation board, which works so hard to conserve and enhance our landscape.”

The conservation board’s chairman, Liz Eyre, said: “We’re thrilled to have the farm park join the scheme and be part of a growing number of tourism businesses which recognise the value and importance of looking after our natural environment.

“We’re looking forward to working with the farm park in the future and hope to welcome many more visitor attractions and other tourism businesses into the scheme.”