A CONSERVATION charity is urging all to get involved with a campaign to conserve native hedgerows.

The Lake District Foundation is taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge, a funding initiative which sees donations doubled from December 1-8.

The campaign, launched by Sir Alec Reed CBE in 2008, offers support to vital charities such as the Lake District Foundation.

Sarah Swindley, Lake District Foundation CEO said: “We need to raise £7,000 to unlock the match funding available in the Big Give Christmas Challenge.

"The fact that any donation made will be doubled during this week is incredible, so we do hope everyone can dig deep and donate.

"A small donation will make a huge difference – thank you!”

The Real Hedge Fund campaign highlights the importance of hedgerows in the environment, and the role within the cultural and natural heritage of the Lake District.

The campaign has an ambitious target to plant 4,000 metres of native hedgerows across the Lake District, and looks to raise £100,000 to make this happen.

The Lake District Foundation launched the campaign in June 2020 in partnership with Ullswater Catchment Management CIC, Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust and Eden Rivers Trust.

To donate to the Big Give Christmas Challenge, and see the Lake District Foundation reach its target, visit donate.thebiggive.org.uk/christmas-challenge-2020.

To find out more about the Real Hedge Fund, visit the Lake District Foundation website.