DORSET Wildlife Trust is urging the public to raise money for its Woodland Recovery Project.

The trust is hoping for £40,000 for a project to protect its regional woodlands.

The project is dedicated to reviving woodlands across Dorset that have been damaged by diseases like ash dieback, environmental effects, and climate change.

According to Dorset Wildlife Trust, the funds raised will "combat the challenges facing Dorset’s woodlands through a combination of finding ways to reduce the impact of ash dieback on wildlife and regenerating woodland habitats through traditional management techniques".

It said: "Donations to the appeal will also help create more woodland on Dorset Wildlife Trust nature reserves by planting native trees and encouraging neighbouring landowners to do the same."

Andrew Pollard, conservation director at Dorset Wildlife Trust, said, "Woodlands are incredibly important for many species of wildlife and essential in the fight against climate change.

“But it’s not just wildlife that needs woodlands; they provide inspiration and space for thousands of people of all ages to walk, picnic, climb trees, exercise, and simply connect with nature.

“So, we must do everything we can to protect the health and resilience of Dorset’s woodlands for ourselves and for generations to come."

Donations can be made to its Woodland Recovery Appeal on the Dorset Wildlife Trust website.