Not many of us are lucky enough to have won millions on the lottery, but over the last ten years Wiltshire's wildlife has hit the jackpot over and over again, says Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

Trust Director Dr Gary Mantle said: "Wiltshire Wildlife Trust was one of the first nature con-servation charities to benefit from lottery funding.

"Over the last ten years we've succeeded in attracting more lottery money to benefit the wildlife of Wiltshire than any other organization of this kind.

"In saying a big thank you to the national lottery, we'd like to let everyone know what we've done with the money, and what enormous benefits it's brought to wildlife and people in Wiltshire and Swindon.

"Lottery money, and vital match funding from other sources including local authorities, has enabled us to buy our two flagship nature reserves, Langford Lakes near Salisbury and Blakehill Farm, near Cricklade."

"Next year, when Blakehill opens to the public, the people of North Wiltshire will have a unique, vast wide open space to enjoy, a chance to hear skylarks singing and watch deer and brown hare running across a rainbow-coloured wildflower meadow."

He added: "Less visibly, but just as importantly, lottery funding has paid for a five-year programme of capital investment in 24 nature reserves across Wiltshire and Swindon.

"It's paid for new fencing and water supplies for the cattle and sheep which graze the grassland reserves; for new paths and gates to be created at some reserves, providing access for visitors with disabili-ties.

"It's also paid for new information boards and a full-colour guide to Trust nature reserves, enriching the experience of visiting some of the most priceless places in Wiltshire."

In addition to funding nature reserves, the lottery has also funded projects to promote waste prevention, wildlife-friendly gardening and energy efficiency in the home.