Film star Dame Judi Dench is a new patron of Surrey Wildlife Trust.
The movie star, who lives in Outwood, is backing a scheme to secure the future of Nower Wood nature reserve, near Leatherhead.
The ancient woodland is a wildlife and environmental education site for pupils from primary to A-Level age.
A fundraising drive campaign is underway to raise £470,000 to replace the old classrooms.
Dame Judi said: "As a local Surrey resident with a love of wildlife, I'm delighted to be supporting Surrey Wildlife Trust and its Nower Wood New Build Project.
"I also recognise the importance of outdoor education and the need to inspire the next generation about wildlife and conservation.
The reserve's education centres manager Hayden Turner said: "Sadly the classrooms are now showing their age.
"The separate toilets often freeze during the winter making them unusable, leading to cancelled bookings and disappointed children.
Visit www. surreywildlifetrust. org or call 01372 379509 for more details.
