The appeal, which had a target of £104,000, has already raised over £107,000 from more than 1,300 supporters in just six weeks and donations are still coming in. The Trust has been overwhelmed with support from the local community, and also received donations from as far afield as Inverness and Truro.
Astonbury Wood, a 54-acre ancient woodland was put up for sale last year, prompting concern among the local community who petitioned the County Council to protect the site. Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust launched an appeal in May to raise enough money to purchase the lease for the site and to manage it for wildlife and the community into the future. The Trust will now begin the process of purchasing the long-term lease for the wood.
Lesley Davies, the Trust’s Chief Executive, says: “We are thrilled with the support we have received, and are continuing to receive, from the local community and totally blown-away by their generosity. Ancient woodlands like Astonbury Wood are completely irreplaceable and we are very proud that the public have backed our bid to buy the lease for this important site. We hope that we’ll be able to welcome people to the Trust’s newest reserve before too long”.