Almost 20 threatened species could be saved by a radical wildlife plan in Northamptonshire.

The strategy has been drawn up by the county council and several conservation groups.

It identifies plants, mammals, birds and insects under threat, and details steps to be taken to ensure their survival.

Celebrity birdwatcher Bill Oddie praised the plan's launch and was joined at Hunsbury Hill Centre Barn by seven-year-old owl Ollie - one of the birds the document is designed to protect.

Barn owls have declined by 75% since the 1930s

Mr Oddie said: "I have to say that the plan launched here is the most impressive, the most thorough and the most readable I have ever seen."

One of its main objectives is to increase the population of barn owls by 20% by 2010.

The birds have declined by 75% over the past 70 years due in part to increasing use of pesticides and the loss of nesting sites such as old buildings.

The action plan advocates raising awareness among landowners, doubling the number of nest boxes, and including protection policies in local planning guidance.