SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has launched an emergency appeal in response to the devastating impact the Covid-19 pandemic has had on fundraising.

The trust works to reverse wildlife declines, restore biodiversity and reconnect people with nature.

Before the pandemic struck, it was already dealing with the financial challenges surrounding reductions in EU funding and the cost of the rapid onset of Ash Dieback disease on its nature reserves.

Now the trust is looking at a shortfall in its budgeted income for this year of at least £200,000 – and at a time when it should be at the peak of its fundraising activities, membership recruitment and events across the county.

Normally, it would also be delivering habitat management programmes with the help of hundreds of volunteers.

But many of its staff and recruiters have been furloughed, events cancelled, and work programmes are far behind where they should be.

Reserve teams are also under additional pressure to repair the physical damage on sites from anti-social behaviour that took place while staffing was at its bare minimum.

The trust is appealing to members, supporters and those who care about Somerset’s nature to support the charity. The funds raised by its emergency appeal will help bridge the gap in its finances this year so it can continue its work for wildlife, capitalise on the current drive towards a greener recovery, and ensure Somerset can continue to play its part in addressing the national and global ecological and climate crises.

Chief executive Georgia Stokes said: “The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. To reverse nature’s decline, we must restore and connect valuable habitats for wildlife and restore natural processes also providing essential carbon stores and helping to adapt to climate change.

“Many of us have discovered during lockdown that we need nature to benefit our physical and mental health and recognised that nature really is the life support function for our lives, our communities and our businesses.”

To donate, click the ‘emergency appeal’ link on Somerset Wildlife Trust’s website or phone 01823 652429.