A WILDLIFE trust is on the verge of buying a traditionally-managed farm to preserve part of Herefordshire's rural heritage.

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust hopes to have bought Birches Farm, on the outskirts of Kington, by the end of June after raising £850,000.

The trust is currently raising a further £50,000 to restore the small, 60-acre farmstead and make it accessible to the public.

Jim Light, the Birches Farm reserve officer, said: "Birches Farm represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to secure a piece of the Welsh Marches that time forgot.

"As custodians of the Herefordian landscape, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust needs vital support to purchase then restore the site in a manner that will enable wildlife to flourish, and people to learn the importance of understanding our roots.

"Traditional farming is what has ensured the survival of this beautiful farm, and we want to promote both the method and the resulting wildlife to the future farmers, local communities, and the young nature lovers of tomorrow."

The farm has been traditionally managed through the centuries– grazed by sheep and cattle and cut each summer for hay while centuries-old hedgerows form semi-natural field boundaries.

Birches Farm is recognised as a nationally significant site by Defra and Natural England, and has been designated England’s newest Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Following contributions from the public, Severn Waste and other charitable trusts, as well as continued loans, the trust is close to securing the long-term future of the farm which will be owned and managed by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust in perpetuity.

Once opened to the public, the trust hopes to bring the farm’s history to life through guided walks, exhibitions and events.

For more details go to www.herefordshirewt.org.

Support the project today by going to www.justgiving.com/BirchesRestoration.