Woodland Trust appeals for help to set up 'wildlfe haven'
It needs to raise another ÂŁ1m for the site in Devon by March
The Woodland Trust has issued an appeal to help it buy land in Devon to turn into a haven for wildlife.
The charity's hoping to buy a fifty-four acre site at Lympstone, for which it needs ÂŁ2.5m.
It's raised ÂŁ1.5m so far - but needs to find a further million to finalise the sale by March.
The charity will look to plant trees and encourage natural regeneration by letting trees and shrubs regrow naturally, as well as leave areas open, to create the conditions for a rich array of species to one day colonise it.
These include rare birds such as the nightjar, several threatened species of bat, the hazel dormouse, the dingy skipper butterfly, and a whole host of unusual invertebrates.
They are even hoping to attract beavers to the site from a nearby river once the streams and waterways have been restored and colonised with native trees such as alder and willow.
The trust says it would be going back to its roots for its 50th anniversary - it began in 1972 when a group of friends sat round a table in a Devon home to discuss saving a local wood.
'Timings are critical'
Paul Allen, site manager in Devon for the Woodland Trust said, “What makes this land such a prize is the outstanding array of rare wildlife found nearby, and which we hope will move in, once a richer variety of habitats, from trees to open spaces, have been established.
"In our 50th year, with the twin threats of climate change and nature loss looming ever larger – it’s a hugely important time to create this woodland and provide more spaces for nature to thrive and improve the connectivity of the wider landscape.”
“Unfortunately, with land prices at a premium, the timings are critical. We must be able to finalise the purchase by March this year. I’m delighted that we have already raised almost £1.5m towards the acquisition and management of the site, but time is running out and we still need another £1m to secure the future of our latest woodland haven.”
You can support the appeal at woodlandtrust.org.uk/devonappeal