SUFFOLK Wildline, a telephone advice service run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, is proving popular with people wanting to translate their concern for the environment into action.

SUFFOLK Wildline, a telephone advice service run by Suffolk Wildlife Trust, is proving popular with people wanting to translate their concern for the environment into action.

The new service, set up in April, makes it easier for people from all over the county to access wildlife information and take practical steps to improving wildlife habitats – especially during the aftermath of the recent Earth Summit.

Wildline project officer Tracey Housley has had a huge range of queries. She said: "I've had people wanting to know how they can volunteer with the Trust, reports of various wildlife sightings both common and unusual, queries about planning proposals and their effects on wildlife habitats and even people phoning in to say how much they appreciate the service!

"By far the most common request is for advice on creating and managing wildlife areas both large and small – garden ponds are especially popular! "Wildline can tap the energy, enthusiasm and determination generated by big world events like the Earth Summit, and turn it into action which has a direct and positive effect on the Suffolk environment. The more people realise they can make a difference to the wildlife and environment on their doorstep the better – we're here to help."

The initiative offers an individual service to callers, often followed up with back up information sent by post.

Wildline can be contacted weekday afternoons from 1.30pm-5pm on 01473 890089.

The Wildline project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund with matching funding from Center Parcs.