Villagers have pledged more than £6,000 to save ancient woodland from development.

The 12-acre plot, home to a range of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, foxes, newts and butterflies, is up for sale with a price tag of £40,000.

The privately-owned plot is part of Costells Wood in Scaynes Hill, near Haywards Heath.

People living nearby have urged the Woodland Trust to buy the plot and annex it to the 56 acres of woodland it already owns.

Villagers have pledged their own money to the trust in the hope it can compete with any rival offers.

Although the woodland is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) and protected from development, villagers want to make sure they will still be allowed to walk through the plot.

They also fear a developer might seek to overturn the plot's designation as an SNCI, fell the trees and build homes.

Brian Bunt, of Vicarage Lane, said: "We are still way short of our target but we haven't given up hope.

"The pledges are still coming in and show the interest people have shown in that one piece of land."

The Woodland Trust has said it will make an offer if it can raise the full amount.

Land and estate agent Watsons in Heathfield, which is marketing the plot, has already received an offer from an individual and is awaiting instructions to close the deal.

Agent Anthony Field said: "It's not sold yet. The residents might still have a chance if they get an offer in soon."