THE Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Europe's largest nature conservation charity, is sending out a message of thanks to those who have helped it reach a milestone in its innovative fundraising appeal.

Members and supporters have raised £25,000 for the charity by recycling unwanted mobile phones and used printer cartridges on their behalf.

The funds raised by the RSPB Recycling Appeal, run in partnership with recycling experts Redeem, enable the charity to continue working to protect wild birds and their habitats.

The RSPB own and manage over 180 reserves throughout the UK, and these reserves are home to 80 per cent of the most threatened bird species in the UK.

Doug Christie, licensing manager for the RSPB says: "We would like to thank all those who have helped us reach this landmark total. The RSPB Recycling Appeal relies on people and businesses donating their old cartridges and mobile phones. Although we are delighted to have come this far we would urge people to keep on recycling, your support is vital for us to continue our conservation work."

The appeal not only raises much needed funds for the RSPB, but also plays an important role in protecting the environment. Recycling mobile phones and printer cartridges diverts them from landfill, where they can cause long-term environmental problems. By sending their old cartridges and phones into the campaign, rather than throwing them away, every person can make a difference to their environment.

If anyone would like to find out more about how you can help the RSPB Recycling Appeal visit www.recyclingappeal.com/rspb or call 08451 30 20 10.

Katrine Pearson

RSPB