WATCH: Dame Julie Walters's fundraising appeal for Warley Woods
Dame Julie Walters has released a video appeal to raise funds for Warley Woods in Smethwick.
The actress, who grew up in Smethwick, asked for people to donate to preserve the woods, for which she is a patron.
In the message she says: "Hello everybody, I think one of the things that keeps me sane during this extraordinary sci-fi period we're living in, is to see greenery and to be able to walk out in the air, in the woods, and I've always been like that since I was a child.
"And that's why I'm patron of Warley Woods, because for me, growing up, it was a sanctuary, it was magical, it was mysterious and it was a great place to sledge, so at the moment it's a very worrying time for those wonderful people that run the trust for Warley Woods, because it already manages to exist on a knife edge financially, and that was before this crisis occurred.
"The building is shut, the shop is shut, all the events are cancelled, so most of its revenue is gone at the moment. So it's relying totally on donations and kindness from people.
"So I guess I'm asking you what's coming, if you can preserve this wonderful space, and we really need it at the moment, if you can preserve it for your children, for your children's children, for all of us now, then please consider a donation, it doesn't matter how small.
"You can do a monthly one of £2 or £5 or whatever, or a one-off, but it would be really really appreciated.
"Thank you and stay safe."
To read more, or to donate, visit warleywoods.org.uk/news/dame-julie-walters-asks-for-your-help
