Twenty conservation projects, including 'Bogs and Bitterns: Somerset wetland restoration', led by Somerset Wildlife Trust, will receive a share of £25 million from new government funding awarded this month (15 March).

The Somerset Levels will benefit from The Species Survival Fund, with 50 hectares of wetland habitat set to be restored and expanded to create good quality 'stepping stone' sites and improve species abundance across Somerset.

Simon Clarke, Head of Nature Recovery at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said:

"The natural environment is at a critical crossroads. It's vital that we are able to strengthen the county's nature recovery network by focusing on these key, and vulnerable 'stepping stone' sites in the Avalon Marshes, and provide a range of resilient habitats that can continue to support a range of species and that can deliver the high functioning ecosystems that we know that will enable us to tackle climate change.

"We're really delighted to have been awarded these funds and are looking forward to engaging with the local communities to explore ways that they can get involved."

For more information or to find out how to get involved see: www.somersetwildlife.org

Grants of up to £3 million have been awarded to projects run by wildlife charities, farmers, and community groups to accelerate nature recovery and support precious species. The Fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Defra.