Kent Wildlife Trust has launched an appeal to raise funds to develop Ham Fen nature reserve near Worth, the county’s last ancient fenland and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
It was officially opened in June 1995 by former actress Virginia McKenna, the founder and trustee of Born Free who started the charity Zoo Check in 1984 with her late husband Bill Travers.
Kent Wildlife Trust describe Ham Fen as a unique wildlife sanctuary and has cared for the land since 1991.
The trust’s reserves officer John McAllister said: “Under our stewardship and the continued success of the beaver, Ham Fen is flourishing.
“We now have the opportunity to increase the 29 hectares (72 acres) by a third. To do this, we are aiming to raise £58,000 from our generous supporters.
“This important conservation project will extend the fenland, providing greater opportunity for wildlife to thrive, for the fen to become ecologically more viable and to increase the chances of survival for rare species dependent upon this scarce habitat.”

* To find out more about the appeal and how to help, see page 17 of this week's East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury.