A WILDLIFE trust has smashed their target in their appeal to save a vital habitat near Winchester.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) passed their fundraising target of £200,000 for the purchase of Hockley Meadows Farm in Twyford, a day before the deadline.

Since launching an appeal earlier this month, the Trust has received more than 1,600 donations totalling £187,000, followed by pledges for £45,000 from charity foundations and corporate supporters.

The total sum raised so far is £232,000.

Combined with a gift in a will from a Winchester-based supporter, HIWWT can now purchase the farm, and is on track to complete the sale.

The site in the heart of the Itchen Valley had been put up for sale by its owner, who is retiring.

HIWWT want to ensure that the land is protected from future development or intensive farming, as the space is vital for species like water vole, otter and the rare southern damselfly.

Once on site, they plan to use the land to recreate the traditional wildlife-friendly farming methods that have shaped the Itchen Valley’s water meadows.

As well as running a working wildlife-friendly farm, they’ll manage the surrounding floodplain meadows.

Staff will soon be busy on the farm making improvements to the fencing and barns before the arrival of the first animals, a herd of traditional British White cattle.

Debbie Tann, the Trust's chief executive said: “A huge thank you to everyone who donated to our Hockley Meadows Farm appeal over the last month. The incredible outpouring of support for protecting our beautiful landscapes and wildlife habitats is so inspiring – and we can’t wait to get on site and get to work.”