BIDDING is now live for Somerset Wildlife Trust's virtual auction with unforgettable experiences and prizes supplied by local businesses and artists from across the county.

All funds raised will go to support the trust’s work to protect and restore Somerset’s wildlife and wild places.

It is the organisation’s third online auction and for the first time it includes desirable experiences as well as art.

There is something for everyone, from exclusive tours and luxurious stays to beautiful paintings and drawings by renowned artists - with more lots to be announced over the coming weeks.

Bidding will close on Thursday, November 24, at 9pm.

Among the gifts and experiences already donated are:

  • Knepp Rewilding Project: a week's stay in the Bothy rustic cabin for one or two guests in an ancient wood in the rewilded park surrounding Knepp Castle, originally a dairy for the castle’s three cows, the Bothy;
  • Middlewick spa;
  • Mulberry satchel;
  • Wildlife break;
  • Gallery tour and lunch at Hauser & Wirth;
  • Box tickets at Bath Rugby Club;
  • Guided tours of some of Somerset’s most beautiful reserves;
  • Hawke Frontier Binoculars, complete bird dining station feeders and local gins;
  • Artwork by Somerset painter Margaret Micklewright.

Kate Wilson, Somerset Wildlife Trust's community and events fundraising manager, said: "We have always been overwhelmed by the success of our online auction in previous years and wanted to bring it back this year in a big way.

"We are extremely grateful to everyone involved in making it happen, whether they are a local business, artist or member of our team.

"This is a fantastic opportunity to buy some unique experiences and lovely gifts for the art or nature lover in your life, so dig deep and #BidForWildlife.”

She added: "Somerset Wildlife Trust would like to say a huge thank to all the local businesses, artists and supporters for so generously giving us their time and efforts to raise funds to help protect the wildlife that they, and all of us, care so much about in Somerset."

If you would like to register to take part, visit: somersetwildlife.org/auction