THERE is an opportunity for lovers of Dartmoor to do their bit to keep their moor special by joining Dartmoor Preservation Association's volunteer groups.

The regular working days held by the groups provide the chance to meet new people and even keep fit at the same time.

A spokesman said: 'We do a variety of conservation work on the moor throughout the year — at the moment we are doing bracken bashing.

'Too much bracken in an area swamps other species, reduces the biodiversity of the moor and covers lots of the interesting archaeological features on the open moor.

'The only way to tackle it, without harmful chemicals, is to bash it down, weakening it and preventing it spreading further.'

Bracken bashing will take place on July 9 and 17 at Sharpitor and Leeden Hill, near Princetown, and on July 12 and 20 at Devonport and Drakes leats on Roborough Down.

Other areas will also be tackled during the summer.

For details of where to meet, what to bring and any other questions you may have please call Fiona on 01822 890646 or email [email protected]">[email protected]