Bedgebury Pinetum - home in Kent to endangered trees and wildlife - is seeking business support for £3m project.

The Friends of Bedgebury, a registered charity set up to help manage the Pinetum in partnership with the Forestry Commission, has recently won an award from international conservation organisation World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) for good forest management.

Having been charged with raising £3 million to provide the Pinetum with vital research and educational facilities, the charity is now appealing for green partners to help raise funds to complete the project and to share in the already high profile associated with this unique collection.

The new centre, in a beautiful lakeland setting, will embrace green technology by using accredited sustainable British timber and renewable energy systems.

It will also reflect the Pinetum’s status as the world’s leading conifer collection.

Alan Titchmarsh, patron of the The Friends of Bedgebury, said: "The Pinetum provides not only a unique conservation site, but also a setting, which allows visitors to really enjoy the beauty and value of trees.

"I’m sure the new visitor and education centre will encourage more people to come and discover for themselves this countryside treasure. I look forward to watching this project taking shape."

Already the recipient of a £1m Heritage Lottery Grant, the charity is hoping to raise enough money to complete the project in time for Bedgebury’s 80th anniversary in 2004.

Both large and small sponsors are being sought to become part of this historic project.

Donors will be recognised for their involvement and are invited to take up sponsorship opportunities designed to provide a chance to partner nature.

The new lake needs a sponsor and will form the focal point of the project encouraging dragonflies, birds and colourful plant life as well as providing the perfect viewing platform for visitors.

For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact Elspeth Hill at Bedgebury Pinetum on 01580 211044 or visit www.bedgeburypinetum.org.uk.