FACED with a growing threat to the countryside, Somerset Wild-life Trust is finding it hard to help sustain and preserve the local en-vironment.

However, the trust has launched a new seven-programme strategy, which will promote awareness and educate people, protect the countryside and expand conservation, improve information sources and encourage more volunteers.

The strategy, which runs from 2004 to 2008, was unveiled by the trust at the official opening of its new headquarters at Tonedale Mill, Wellington, by Taunton MP Adrian Flook

For the full story, see this week's Somerset County Gazette.