AN APPEAL has been launched to raise £75,000 to expand an important nature reserve in the South Hams.

If successful the cash boost will allow it to undertake vital work to better protect rare local species.

The Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is asking local people to support the purchase of 5.35 hectares of grassland adjoining its Andrew's Wood nature reserve near Kingsbridge.

The charity has already raised the £6,700 needed for the deposit but is this month asking its 36,000 members to help further with its first land purchase appeal since 2004.

The nature reserve was purchased in 1986. It was extended five years ago and currently stands at 28 hectares. The majority of the reserve is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest featuring wildlife-rich woodland and a system of fields once farmed by the residents of the hamlet of Stanton.

The site is most famous for being one of only a few remaining places in the country to support the heath lobelia, a plant which thrives on wet acidic heathland. It also supports many woodland bird species such as nuthatches and song thrushes, along with an impressive population of dormice.

Matt Boydell, DWT's land management manager, said: "We really need the support of our members and the general public to help us purchase this new area of land."

Visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244.