A HAMPSHIRE wildlife fundraising campaign to launch a new series of projects has raised more than half its target with two weeks left.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trusts’ crowdfunding campaign to protect the Solent and its natural heritage has raised more than £9,000, with the original target set at £15,000.

The trust is raising the funds to begin a new series of projects and to get more people involved in protecting seas and promoting local, sustainable seafood.

Made up of 132 donations, those contributing include Southern Water as well as other private supporters.

The campaign has also attracted the support of Hampshire TV naturalist Chris Packham and paratriathlete Lauren Steadman, who swims in The Solent.

Tim Ferrero, marine specialist at the trust, said: “An enormous thank you to everyone who has donated to our appeal to raise funds to protect the amazing wildlife under the Solent’s surface.

“The wildlife in our local seas is under pressure, from plastics, pollution and other threats.

“Whether it’s exotic anemones brightening up our rock pools, seals basking on our mudflats, or serene seahorses drifting through seagrass meadows, there’s some incredible marine wildlife on our doorstep.

“Together we can help protect and keep the Solent wild and wonderful for generations to come.”

Every £1 donated by the public is worth more than £10 due to match funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, enabling the trust to work with local communities and partners to protect the Solent over the course of the next four years.

Some of the projects include Citizen Science, which sees the trust working with volunteers to collect data about wildlife in the shores and seas.

Others include Marine Champions, an army of volunteers who can help protect the Solent and pass on knowledge to others, and street art, a series of photography and films to share the Solent’s treasures.

The trust, with a target of £15,000 and other fundraising, hopes to hit a target of £65,000, which it hopes to receive with £640,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund that has been earmarked for the project.

The deadline for donations is October 12. Anyone who wishes to contribute can do so by visiting crowdfunder.co.uk/wildandwonderful.