NEW Forest watchdog groups are appealing for volunteers to join them in a crackdown on litter-bugs as they prepare to launch their annual forest clean-up.

With more and more mess mounting up from careless visitors and deliberate dumping by fly-tippers, this year's spring clean-up is even more important.

As well as creating an eyesore litter also poses a threat to foraging wildlife and livestock on the open forest, warned Forestry Commission spokeswoman Emma Rennison.

She said: "Last year's efforts to clean up the forest really paid off, but sadly there is more work to do. Litter is still being dropped and we need more people to join our Forest Force litter picking events and help spread the word to keep the forest tidy."

But now Forest Force, a partnership made up of the Forestry Commission, the New Forest National Park Authority and the New Forest District Council is looking for businesses, parish councils, youth groups and Rotary clubs to volunteer their time and join in.

Last year 25 business groups joined in the clean-up, but this year Forest Force wants even more groups to cover areas in Ringwood and Lymington during the week long pick-up in March.

Vicky Myers, volunteer co-ordinator at the Forestry Commission, said: "Last year was a great success, with 143 bags of litter collected during the week.

"We have now identified areas that weren't covered last year and would like to encourage local organisations and New Forest residents to volunteer their time to help clean up the Forest.

The litter-pick will take place on March 1-9. To volunteer as part of an organisation contact Roger Sired at New Forest District Council on 02380 285948 or email roger.sired@nfdc.gov.uk