A LONGSTANDING conservation volunteer is getting back on the saddle in her efforts to raise 'vital' funds for Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Rhiannon Ridgewell, a 50-year veteran of environmental volunteering, has already cycled an impressive 3,500 miles this year for the trust in which she volunteers. 

Despite personal setbacks, she now aims to increase her existing £3,500 target to £4,500 by December 31 by racking up another 1,000 miles on the bike. 

The funds raised will contribute to the Cumbria Wildlife Trust's ambitious Skiddaw Forest project, which aims to restore 620 acres of lost Atlantic rainforest and other habitats - work which Ms Ridgewell describes as 'essential'. 

The fundraising follows after the trust raised £1.25m to hit the land purchase target for the 3,000-acre site with hopes of creating 'England's highest nature reserve'. 

Ms Ridgewell started her conservation efforts at 16 when she joined the British Trust of Conservation Volunteers in 1974.

"It’s a big challenge, but I’m hopeful of hitting the target," she said. 

"I’m very pleased with the amount raised so far, I’ve exceeded my expectations.

"The Skiddaw Forest project is such a wonderful opportunity, we can't let it fail." 

Giving thanks to everyone who has donated so far for her '50 Shades of Green' charity cycling challenge, Rhiannon hopes everyone can dig a little deeper to help reach her fundraising goals. 

Ms Ridgewell, who volunteers for the trust at the wildflower nursery at Gosling Sike, Houghton, was also one of three shortlisted nominees for the Daily Mirror Pride of Britain Awards, representing the Border region.

Reflecting on her nomination, she said: "Environmental projects don’t get the same publicity as say medical stories but to get some mention at all was quite an achievement."

Ms Ridgewell extended her gratitude to everyone who has donated so far to her '50 Shades of Green' charity cycling challenge and hopes for more contributions to reach her fundraising goal highlighting that 'everyone can make a difference'.

To donate to Ms Ridgewell's 50 Shades of Green project, you can visit www.justgiving.com/page/rhiannon-ridgewell-50shadesofgreen