I'm helping People & Wildlife Ghana fundraise for two small charities in Ghana - so they can plant native trees, develop beekeeping, improve livelihoods and fight deforestation. Every donation will improve lives and save wildlife in Ghana.

People & Wildlife Ghana is a UK charity set up this year by myself and a number of Ghanaian and British citizens based in the UK. We are all determined to make sure the continuation of fantastic community-based conservation work that's being run on a shoestring in Ghana. We know the work of the recipient charities in Ghana from personal experience - we can vouch for them very confidently. And People & Wildlife Ghana has no overheads like staff or volunteer costs - as trustees, we ensure everything that's raised from an appeal like this goes straight to our local partners in Ghana.

These charities - SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana and the Kalakpa Conservation Club - can make sure a little money can go a long way. They are both registered as charities with the Ghana Government. They work to benefit local people through better economic opportunities and services, linked to community action to protect wildlife and restore habitats through tree-planting. This helps limit climate change as well as providing meaningful sustainable development.

My cover photo is the Giant Squeaker Frog. This Critically Endangered species relies on closed canopy rainforest with thick leaf litter. It is now known from just one site in the world - the Sui River Forest Reserve. SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana has been working with the community around this forest for over 10 years now. I was lucky enough to be able to take a holiday to see this work for myself in March - it made such an impression on me. This really is the frontline in the battle against species extinction. I can't sit back knowing that without international support, the Giant Squeaker Frog will be lost to the combination of logging and farming.

The Paramount Chief of the Sefwi-Yawkrom traditional area - Nana Akwasi Agreman Bosompem II - has publicly declared war on deforestation. He's asked for help from round the world in this fight, and to provide more opportunities for his people, most of whom have very little. The needs of people and wildlife must be met together. The chief knows that SAVE THE FROGS! Ghana can bring in investment and access to expertise on sustainable economic development which can make all the difference, for the forest and the frogs.

Spending my spare time in the UK to support conservation work in Ghana has been the most worthwhile thing I've ever done. Why not join in by giving what you can? Please! What better way is there for celebrating Christmas?