A wildlife trust has announced that a renowned actress will become one of its patrons this year.

The Countryside Restoration Trust (CRT) revealed that Dame Judi Dench has agreed to become its Silver Jubilee Patron for 2018.

The CRT was established in 1993 in response to growing fears about the loss of wildlife caused by intensive and industrialised farming.

Dame Judi said: "It was such an honour to be asked to be involved in this very special year.

"The CRT was the pioneering charity in wildlife friendly farming and the biggest tribute to its success is the fact that so many other organisations have followed in its footsteps. I have been privileged to visit several of the Trust’s farms and the work being done is tremendous.

"In this Jubilee year we remember not only those who set the trust in motion, but we look to the future as farming, the countryside and Britain’s wildlife needs the pioneering work of the CRT more than ever before."

Dame Judi is also a patron of the CRT’s Gordon Beningfield Dorset Farm Appeal, created in memory of the artist who was also an advocate for the protection of the countryside and a co-founder of the CRT.

He thought the CRT should have a Dorset farm to show how farming and wildlife in the area should co-exist.

Robin Page, chairman of the CRT, said: "It is such an honour to have Dame Judi involved. She has a deep love for nature as anybody who saw her recent BBC documentary ‘My Passion for Trees’ will understand. We have several celebratory events throughout 2018 and hope Dame Judi can join us whenever her heavy work-load allows."

The CRT has also welcomed David Mills, ex-farmer and proprietor of the British Wildlife Centre in Surrey, as a new trustee.

He said: "There are so many challenges facing farming, the countryside and its wildlife that I am flattered to have been asked to join the trustees of the CRT. Farming is a very important part of Britain’s cultural and economic life – but so too is our indigenous wildlife. We must make sure that it is not forgotten during a time of huge agricultural change."

Visit countrysiderestorationtrust.com