VOLUNTEERS have just finished a mammoth project installing more than a mile of fencing to protect woodland.

The project, at Chalk Woods, North Cray, began five years ago with the aim of fencing in a bridle way around the woods, to prevent riders from straying off the path and accidentally damaging the delicate woodland undergrowth.

Now the 1.3 miles of rustic chestnut fencing is finally in place and the workers received a personal thank-you from Bexley mayor Councillor John Shepheard at a celebration picnic.

The 64 acres of ancient woodland is home to 36 species of birds, including all three British woodpeckers and the spotted flycatcher as well as numerous bats and plants such as the rare green hellebore.

The volunteers worked with the North West Kent Countryside Partnership and Bexley Council.

During the five years they dug 865 post holes whose depth when added together is taller than the Taipei Tower, the world's tallest building.