LANDOWNERS in Braydon Forest have been invited by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust to apply for financial aid to help restore the ancient woodland.

The trust's project officer, Paul Darby, said the forest scheme would receive more than £625,000 in the next five years as part of a Forestry Commission drive to piece together fragmented woodlands.

It is part of a £5m national initiative.

Braydon Forest covers nearly 60 square miles between Swindon and Malmesbury, and bounds Minety, Hankerton, Charlton, Lea, Brinkworth, Wootton Bassett, Cricklade and Purton.

The forest was once a medieval royal hunting ground where King John and his entourage are reputed to have stalked deer.

But it became increasingly fragmented over the centuries with the intensification of agriculture and farming.

Mr Darby said: "Forging links between existing woods by planting trees between them, can enhance the wildlife value of an area.

"More woodland could mean a better chance for rare butterflies and plants."

He said landowners could apply for money to help cover the costs of buying new trees, planting them and fencing them off.

For more information on the Braydon Forest project, or for advice on how to apply for grants, contact Mr Darby at the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on (01380) 725670.