A WILDLIFE organisation hit by the foot-and-mouth crisis has launched an emergency appeal for funds.

Durham Wildlife Trust could lose up to £20,000 due to the restrictions and is also experiencing difficulties managing its nature reserves.

Chief executive Richard Wood said that without help the trust may soon be in serious difficulties.

He said: "Normally we are at our busiest at this time of year - instead everything is at a standstill and cancelled until further notice. Most of our reserves are closed so we cannot manage them for wildlife.

"We are also unable to get out into the countryside to recruit new members and raise funds, both of which we depend on."

The Graham Easby Visitor Centre at Low Barns on Wearside and Bowlees Visitor Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale have both been closed since February 23 and there is no possibility of them opening for at least six to eight weeks.

More than 3,000 schoolchildren usually visit the centres but because they are closed the trust has already lost around £5,000 income.

The trust has been forced to cancel most of its volunteering parties and is now at risk of losing some of its volunteers for good. Reserves officers are also unable to undertake vital conservation work.

The trust can apply for a grant from European funds or up to £7,000 to market its activities once the outbreak ends. Mr Wood said: "Foot-and-mouth is having an enormous impact on us financially and in terms of our conservation work."

Anyone who would like to help can call the Trust on (0191) 84 3112.