A WILDLIFE charity has appealed for donations as it fears for its future after dwindling support.

Avon Wildlife Trust said it is concerned that the protection of the environment has become less of a priority at a time when many traditional funding sources for charities have been reduced or withdrawn.

It says a report by Sir David Attenborough which shows 60 per cent of species studied were in decline including once common British wildlife comes after a double-dip recession when regenerating business was a priority across the country.

The trust, which cares for 35 nature reserves across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire including Lower Woods near Wickwar and Charfield Meadow, relies on the work of its 16,000 volunteers.

Launching a new door-to-door fundraising campaign, trust director of communications and membership Dagmar Smeed said: “The trust is a charity and depends on the support of our members, as they provide our only regular source of income.

“We receive no direct Government funding for carrying out our conservation work and protecting some of our most stunning places including bluebell woods, wildflower meadows and ancient wetlands.

“This is a local campaign, which directly supports our local conservation work. Long-term support makes all the difference in planning for the future, helping Avon Wildlife Trust to continue its valuable work in ensuring our local area's wildlife has a secure future and can be enjoyed by everyone.”

“By working with Wesser, which has raised millions of pounds for charities across Europe, and South West Wildlife Fundraising Ltd we are able to tell people about our charitable work, as well as raising funds in the most cost-effective and secure way possible, through regular donations.

Over the next few weeks, trained fundraisers, wearing clothing with the Avon Wildlife Trust logo and carrying identification badges, will be calling house-to-house across South Gloucestershire and Bristol and Bath. They will not be collecting cash or cheques but asking people to become members and make regular, affordable direct debit payments.

Trust president and TV naturalist Simon King saod: “The work of Avon Wildlife Trust is of great significance to me.

“Bristol and Bath are among the greenest and most wildlife-friendly cities in the world, and the more people realise just what they have on their doorsteps, the more they will care about what happens to it.”

For information on Avon Wildlife Trust go to www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk