GLOUCESTERSHIRE Wildlife Trust has launched an appeal to save Dimmel's Dale, an area of grassland near Chalford.

The Trust have until the end of February to buy this area of grassland in the Golden Valley between Stroud and Cirencester.

Dimmel's Dale is an area of approximately 8.5 acres, with a bank of wildflower-rich, limestone grassland and woodland. Although abundant in plants and animals, the Trust fears that it is losing its wildflowers, butterflies and other rare wildlife.

Marsh Fritillary butterflies require a collection of connected sites to thrive. The security of places such as Dimmels Dale are essential to its survival in Gloucestershire.

Alan Sumnall, Reserves Managers at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust said: “In the 1930's 40 percent of the Cotswolds was made up of species rich limestone grassland. Today, only 1.5 percent remains. This is a critical time for wildlife in the area. That’s why we must act now".

To donate visit gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/dimmels