SOMERSET Wildlife Trust has announced an appeal for £35,000 to help secure a positive future for the county’s dormice in the face of possible extinction.

The native hazel dormouse has become extinct in 17 English counties, with recent UK reports showing their numbers have declined by 51 per cent in just 18 years.

The trust is urging wildlife and nature lovers to donate what they can to support more woodland management and monitoring programmes.

To donate to the Dormouse Appeal, visit the trust’s website at www.somerset wildlife.org/dormouse-appeal or phone 01823 652429.