GENEROUS donations from the public have secured almost £30,000 towards the purchase of a nature reserve.

Online donors had just three days to money after Eycott Hill Site of Special Scientific Interest was selected by the ‘Big Give Christmas Challenge’ as a project to support.

The £14,278 raised has now been doubled to £28,556 thanks to the Big Give and supporters of Cumbria Wildlife Trust.

Eycott Hill, which is near Mungrisdale, was identified by Cumbria Wildlife Trust four years ago as a potential new nature reserve. But with a sale price of £968,000, the opportunity seemed impossible until Esmée Fairbairn Finance Fund offered to buy the land on behalf of the trust.

The charity has until the end of 2014 to pay back the money or Eycott Hill could be sold on the open market.

Michelle Waller, Development Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “This was one of the biggest fundraising challenges I’ve ever faced. The response has been amazing and we want to thank everyone who donated. It’s still not too late to contribute.”

To donate, ring 01539 816300 or email michellew@cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk