The ancient woodland is mentioned in the Domesday Book

The charity had been given four months at the end of last year to raise �200,000 to buy 62 acres (0.25 sq/km) of Guestling Wood, near Hastings.

A spokesman said hundreds of people rallied behind the appeal.

He said Guestling Wood was mentioned in the Domesday Book and was known to be a habitat for many rare wildlife species including water voles.

The campaign was supported by a number of donations, including a �50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) award, and grants from several charitable trusts as well as the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty unit.

'Incredible' support

Regional development officer Nick Morgan who oversaw the fundraising drive to buy the southern half of Guestling Wood said the support of local people and organisations had been "incredible".

"It now means we can protect and safeguard this fantastic ancient woodland for all," he said.

The previous owner of the wood had given the conservation charity first refusal on the land, before putting it up for sale on the open market.

The trust was already managing the northern part of the wood, when the offer to buy the remaining southern part came up.