MORE than 20 New Forest organisations and numerous individuals have been taking part in the area's annual war on litter.

Operation Clean Sweep, which started at the weekend, and will end with a celebration for families at Whitefield Moor near Brockenhurst at 10am Sunday, August 14 is an attempt to rid the forest of rubbish.

New Forest District Council's chairman, retired Squadron Leader Michael Pemberton, and some soldiers from Marchwood Military Port got the event off the ground at the second world war aerodrome at Stoney Cross.

Continuing the military theme, the posters promoting Operation Clean Sweep feature animals in Army fatigues.

Clean Sweep has taken over from New Forest Pride Week which has been held in the spring for more than 30 years.

Forestry Commission spokesman Helen Wood said: "By changing the time of the annual clean up from spring to summer we hope to encourage visitors as well as local people to get involved in the litter pick events being run by our dedicated team of volunteers.

"It is important that everyone who comes to enjoy the forest does it responsibly and does their bit to help protect its beauty and wildlife."

The council's environment spokesman Cllr Michael Thierry said: "Small mammals can get entangled in wires, string and plastic bags, and horses and larger mammals can be injured by broken glass and other discarded objects.

"That's why this year's campaign, though light-hearted, features animals fighting back."

Organisations taking part include Bransgore Beavers, Ringwood Natural History Society, Sway and Minstead parish councils, New Forest Runners and Friends of the Earth.

It's still not too late to help tidy up the forest and anyone who wants to become involved in the final three days should contact council waste officer Emma Cookson on 02380 285938 or Alexis Reeve at the Forestry commission on 02380 286840.

First published: August 11, 2005