A ENVIRONMENTAL volunteer group is appealing for help in clearing a prickly problem from a patch of woodland.

Friends of Mottingham Woods was set up two and half years ago and has embarked on a new project to clear up the woods, making way for a circular walk accessible to wheelchair users and buggies.

But the labour-intensive pruning of overgrown holly can only go ahead if the group can recruit more volunteers.

Chairman Brian Gaskell said: “The kids in Mottingham are hardcore and only use the park to sniff solvents and ride their motorbikes around in. We need to change all that.

“The holly needs trimming back so people can see each other and don’t feel isolated.

“This is a nice bit of London that has been forgotten about. We are slowly making a difference but need more help.”

To volunteer contact Pherenice Worsey-Buck at Bromley Council on 020 8461 7521.