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

Durham Wildlife Trust could lose up to £20,000 because of the restrictions and is 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 the Bowlees Visitor Centre in Middleton-in-Teesdale, have been closed since February 23 and there is no possibility of them opening for at least six to eight weeks.

More than 3,000 children usually visit the centres during the spring and summer terms, but because they are closed the trust has already lost income of about £5,000.

It is also having difficulties recruiting members because of the cancellation of events.

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.

Survey work on species including water voles, red squirrels and otters has also been suspended until further notice.

The trust can apply for a grant from European funds or up to £7,000 to market its activities once the outbreak is over.

Mr Wood said: "Foot-and-mouth is having an enormous impact on us financially and in terms of our conservation work.

"We will certainly be going for the grant, but at the moment we are really struggling."

l Anyone who would like to help can contact Durham Wildlife Trust on 0191-584 3112.