WHEN it comes to volunteer conservation work, one group in the borough is a veteran in the game.

Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers (LAVC) have been working in the ancient woodlands at Lesnes Abbey Woods for more than 10 years.

The woods, which cover nearly 230 acres of land surrounding the ruins of the Augustine abbey, are famous for their annual spring displays of wild daffodils and bluebells.

The abbey ruins are a scheduled ancient monument.

Built in 12th century by Richard de Luci, chief justiciar of England, in the wake of the murder of Thomas Becket, and closed in 1524 during the dissolution of the monasteries, the ruins are a popular visitors' destination.

LACV was launched when residents living near the woods and others interested in conservation felt the area needed greater protection and wanted to make more people aware of it.

The volunteers are dedicated to protecting the flora and fauna of the woodland and providing opportunities for others to learn about the woods and their conservation.

It carries out regular conservation work across the woodlands, using members' skills and other expert advice.

Activities include tree planting, hedge laying, pond restoration, coppicing and wildlife surveys.

Members of the public are regularly invited to join in the volunteer work to enable as many people as possible to learn about the woods and the importance of conserving them and caring for them.

Other, less strenuous, activities will include bat, wildlflower and other surveys.

The group also works with schools, giving children guided tours, talks on the abbey and activities such as bark rubbing and pond dipping.

Founder member Gary Pearce said: "The group is open to anyone, to make friends and learn new skills which can lead to employment.

"We are all very fortunate to have the woods."

The group is affiliated with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and Bexley Council and has access to their resources such as specialist training courses.

New volunteers are welcome to join in any of LACV's activities.

The next event will be repairing the woodland's traditional chestnut paling fences on July 8.

Turn up at noon at the information centre next to the ruins.

For more information, call 020 8310 3033.