PROTECTING some of our most valuable habitats and species has been an inspirational mission for Kent Wildlife Trust.

The charity, based at Tyland Barn, Sandling, works to save everything from endangered butterflies to vast meadows rich in flora and fauna.

It has used its 50th anniversary celebrations this year to raise awareness of its work.

Events included a successful attempt to create the world’s largest seed cake, a 1,290kg bird snack, which is now entered in the Guinness World Records.

For many the charity is defined by this kind of fun event, along with its nature walks and exhibitions.

But its most important work is in protecting Kent’s countryside from the increasing pressure to build new homes, offices and roads.

The trust also protects Kent’s coastline habitats, and runs the Sourcing Seafood campaign to encourage people to buy fish from sustainable sources.

There is also an ongoing project to record seashore species around Kent.

The charity has 30,000 members and is supported by nature photographer Simon King and actress Joanna Lumley, who has become its patron for the anniversary. The charity’s spokesman Ray Lewis said: “We have 60 sites in Kent which are all free to visit. But people don’t seem to realise how much nature they have on their doorstep.

“I get so many folks saying to me that they only live a mile down the road and never realised that we were here.

“We want as many people to find out about what we are doing as possible, especially children to learn about our wildlife as they are our future.

“Kids love our nature activities such as pond dipping and mini-beast discovering.”

Mr Lewis added that supporting Kent’s wildlife can be as simple as buying a bird feeder for the garden, or ensuring allotments are eco-friendly.

He said: “The last 50 years have seen sustained and substantial achievement from Kent Wildlife Trust and in 2008 significant progress has been made.

“The 30,000th member was signed up and the suite of nature reserves purchased and managed by the trust grew to over 7,500 acres. Thanks to our supporters, dedicated volunteers and staff, the trust has enjoyed an exceptionally successful 50th anniversary year.”