SOMERSET Wildlife Trust (SWT) is relaunching its Somerset Nature Reserves Fun to safeguard valuable landscapes and wildlife.

Launched last year, SWT say the fund has already helped achieve some enormous gains for wildlife across the county.

Tim Youngs, director of land management said: “In Somerset we are incredibly lucky to have some amazing habitats from internationally renowned wetlands, ancient woodland, species-rich grassland, and magnificent meadows, each requiring specific conservation programmes in order for the unique biodiversity to not only survive, but thrive.

“Our nature reserves within these special places are the bedrock upon which we are able to deliver critical conservation work and, to ensure these special places are kept healthy, an incredible amount of planning and resource is involved - our reserves cost nearly £2,000 a day to maintain, which is a significant outlay.

"And, as the seasons and weather change we have to continually adjust and fine-tune our work and habitat programmes, such as grazing management – with the failure to provide the necessary feeding and breeding grounds at certain times potentially having detrimental consequences for species the following year.

“Having extra funds not only means that we can continue with our practical conservation work on our reserves, but helps us to be prepared for what the future may hold.

"We will be able to respond faster and provide on the ground solutions when we are faced with unforeseen challenges – such as Ash dieback.”

SWT say the Fund last year was critical in conserving habitats for populations of some of Somerset's most charismatic wildlife, from Otters to Dormice.

The county is now the stronghold for Bittern, with five booming males recorded last year on Somerset Wildlife Trust’s National Nature Reserve Westhay Moor, thanks to the restoration of their reedbed habitat. And the Trust’s Green Down Reserve now holds 36 per cent of the UK population of Large Blue Butterfly.

For more information on the Fund and some examples of where monies raised will be spent, please visit Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website: somersetwildlife.org/reservesfund.

You can donate securely by card at somersetwildlife.org/reserves fund or by telephoning 01823 652429.