A conservation charity has launched its first ever online raffle to raise funds for wildlife.


Dorset Wildlife Trust’s (DWT) inaugural online summer raffle promises an array of prizes donated by local businesses.


The top prize is a weekend for two worth £250 in a luxury Greenwood Grange Cottage, which lies only five minutes away from Thomas Hardy’s birthplace near Dorchester.


Other items up for grabs include a round of golf for four at Dorset Golf and Country Club Resort, a £50 hamper of fine charcuterie from Capreolus Fine Foods, a £50 Italian food hamper and a couple of drinks from Conker Spirit, worth £65.


DWT claims to be the largest conservation charity in Dorset, with 25,000 members, and is committed to ensuring Dorset’s nature has a secure future. 


Zoe Belcher, Greenwood Grange’s general manager, said: “Dorset Wildlife Trust does an amazing job of highlighting and supporting the county’s rich and diverse wildlife. We were more than happy to offer a short stay at Greenwood Grange as the top prize in the raffle as we have such beautiful countryside on our doorstep that guests can enjoy.”


Tickets for the raffle are £1 each, and DWT says that each ticket sold will make a direct contribution to protecting Dorset’s wildlife and wild spaces.


Fiona Samson, DWT’s fundraising and retail manager, said: “The DWT summer raffle is a vital fundraising tool for us each year, and 100 per cent of the proceeds go back into wildlife conservation work in Dorset.


“We’re really pleased to be able to offer an online option for the first time, and we hope that more people will be able to take part with this new way of playing. We’re also really grateful to the local businesses who have provided such wonderful prizes.”


The deadline for buying tickets is Friday, September 15,and the draw is on Monday, September 18.


Tickets can be bought zaffo.com from one of DWT’s six visitor centres.