The Somerset Wildlife Trust has set itself a target to raise £13,000 in a week for habitat work and enhancements at Westhay Moor National Nature Reserve.

The trust's project is entitled A Wetland Wonderland for Wildlife and People, and it launched today (December 1) as part of a festive match-funding challenge.

Every year, starting on Giving Tuesday (today), the UK's biggest match funding campaign starts - the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

Beccy Willmetts, the trust's communications officer, said: "Somerset Wildlife Trust took part in 2017 and 2018, and this year we're back, and we're going big.

"This week-long online fundraising frenzy means that all the donations we receive during the challenge week are generously matched by our pledgers - people who commit to giving us funds for our project, so it's a brilliant chance for us to get double donations so we can have twice the impact.

"Westhay Moor is our flagship reserve and home to species such as bearded reedling, as well as great white egret, marsh harriers, otters, European eel and so many more wetland wonders."

A mosaic of lakes, wet woodland and the largest fragment of lowland acid bog in the South West, Westhay Moor is an example of what can be achieved through peat reclamation.

The reserve is visited by thousands of nature lovers every year. To keep habitats at Westhay in good condition and provide better access for visitors, the trust needs to continue to invest to ensure the reserve remains healthy for wildlife and where everyone can safely visit to enjoy the natural wonders of this special place.

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With the possible £13,000, the trust can enhance Westhay Moor's habitats for rare birds such as bearded reedling and bittern, and install underwater cameras to observe and monitor other species such as the critically endangered European eel.

The trust wants everyone, regardless of their physical ability, to be able to experience this wildlife haven, so it will also use funds to build an easy access path from the car park to one of the hides, and to create a wheelchair and pushchair accessible dipping platform.

To donate to the project, you can visit the Big Give website here.