Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has been given a donation of more than £14,700 by Sudeley Castle and Gardens.

The money was raised through a visitor giving scheme, with 30p from each castle entry ticket donated to Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust.

Lady Ashcombe, who owns and lives at Sudeley Castle, said: “We are delighted to be able to make this donation and to demonstrate our commitment to, and appreciation of, native wildlife habitats and species.

“The countryside is so important to me and I feel blessed to live surrounded by so much beautiful countryside that I can share with visitors to Sudeley Castle.”

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust aims to protect habitats and species both on its 60 nature reserves and throughout Gloucestershire, while inspiring more people about nature. Their aim is to secure a natural environment which the people of Gloucestershire and visitors to the area can enjoy for generations to come.

Ian Farthing, Head of Fundraising and Communications at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: “We are extremely grateful for this kind donation and are very happy to be continuing our partnership with Sudeley Castle.

"Our UK wildlife continues to decline, with one species in 10 at risk of extinction in the country. Habitats are becoming more and more under threat and so the wonderful gardens and grounds at Sudeley Castle are increasingly important as they offer a valuable home to a wealth of wildlife.”

Set among the rolling countryside of the Cotswold Hills, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sudeley Castle has 10 award-winning gardens within its 1,200-acre estate. The grounds are a haven for a host of wildlife, from hedgehogs, birds, butterflies and bees, to frogs, toads, deer, rabbits and hares.

The Trust previously installed, and now helps to maintain, Sudeley Castle’s natural willow maze, which introduces the Wind in the Willows creatures to children. The Trust also helped develop a successful autumn wildlife trail for visitors to Sudeley Castle last year.

This spring the castle is also holding two new ‘dawn chorus walks’ throughout the gardens, led by Castle gardener and resident birdwatcher Will, who will take visitors on a guided walk around the grounds, and learn to identify a host of native birds.

Lady Aschcombe added: “We have a fantastic relationship with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and have collaborated on a number of hugely successful projects over the years and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many more years to come.”