Dame Judi Dench supports nature reserve purchase

Dame Judi Dench has called for support to save a 20-acre site of natural interest that is currently for sale.

The actress has given her voice to an appeal to buy Townend Field in Great Ouseburn, near Harrogate, so the local community can benefit from it.

Asking for donations to the Upper Ouse Conservation Trust, Dame Judi said in a video message: "Will you do what you can and send them anything you can? It's quite vital, we need to be quick about it. Please join me if you can."

The owners of the land did not wish to comment when approached by the BBC.

The trust, which aims to raise £300,000, wants to site to become a wildlife sanctuary and an educational resource for local schoolchildren.

The area was featured in a drawing by the writer Anne Bronte, who was inspired by the landscape when she worked as a governess for a family who lived nearby.

Trustee Graeme Jackson said: "This is a fabulous opportunity for wildlife and biodiversity, and we would provide public access so that people could see the complexity and beauty of the land."

Dame Judi grew up in York and said her father and brother used to visit Townend Field, which she thought was "well worth saving".

The Upper Ouse Conservation Trust contacted her through a family connection and were "absolutely chuffed to bits" when the actress responded with her support.

The vendors have indicated that they would be willing to sell to the trust if sufficient funds were raised.

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