SOMERSET Wildlife Trust will have an extra £50,000 a year to spend on its conservation work when it moves into new premises at the end of the month (June 2014).

The charity bought the former Barnardo’s building in Wellington Road, Taunton, last year thanks to a legacy left by a founder member.

Refurbishment of the building is almost complete thanks to donations from local suppliers and voluntary help from the community and SWT staff valued at £20,000.

The relocation from rented premises in Tonedale, Wellington, to its own building will save the charity, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, £1,000 a week.

SWT director of resources Andrew Davis said: “We’re most grateful for the generosity of suppliers who have donated a range of fixtures and fittings for our new home in Taunton, including paint, carpets, kitchen units, and sanitary ware.

“We couldn’t have done this without them, and I’d like to extend my personal thanks to all who have helped Somerset Wildlife Trust’s dream of finding a permanent home a reality.”

The trust, which has 19,000 members, is dedicated to conserving the full range of Somerset’s habitats and species and manages charity manages 72 nature reserves.