Birdfair has launched a Rainy Day Fund to help restore the weather-beaten Egleton site to its former glory.

The birdwatchers' Glastonbury, held last month at Anglian Water Nature Reserve, is raising money for Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust because this year the site 'needs a little extra TLC'.

A Birdfair spokesman said: "It was an incredible event and we're already counting down the days until next year.

"Hundreds of events, exhibitors, lecturers, volunteers and celebrities came together - united by a love of wildlife - to make it happen.

"The site was, well, a little muddy. Ok - very muddy.

"Due to torrential rain over that week and on the Friday of the event, several areas of the site became waterlogged.

"Our staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to make paths safe and accessible, ensuring the event could continue as planned.

"We're raising money now, as we want to help that site recover as quickly as possible."

After the annual event Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust has to ensure the habitat recovers successfully.

Due to this year's heavy rain and muddy conditions, that's going to take longer than normal and cost more.

Donations will be spent on support staff and volunteer teams carrying out key work, tools and equipment for site management, all-weather matting to protect high-use areas at future events and specialised contractors to undertake specific site enhancement.

"We'd really appreciate any donation that you can make to help us achieve this: our Rainy Day Fund!

"Your donations will help our staff and volunteers.

"We're so lucky to be able to host Birdfair on this amazing site, and we hope to do so for many years more.

"Any contribution will allow us to get the site back to normal quickly, efficiently and be the best it can be for wildlife."

The fund has already raised half of its £2,000 target in 17 days - anyone who would like to contribute can visit the crowdfunding page by clicking on the red button below.