VOLUNTEERS from all over the country will be converging on Exmoor next month for a working holiday with a difference.

The volunteers, of all ages and abilities, will be working on tracks and paths across the moor to protect the surrounding vegetation by minimising the effects of erosion caused by mountain bikers' tyres and thousands of tramping feet and horses' hooves.

The working holiday will be based at the National Trust's Holnicote and West Exmoor estates, in partnership with Exmoor National Park Authority and will take place on the 40th anniversary of the programme.

Paul Camp, of the Holnicote Estate, said: "These holidays attract people from all walks of life, providing an opportunity for hands on' involvement in a wide range of conservation tasks."

During the week, which coincides with National Bike Week, the volunteers will also go on a day's mountain biking following a challenging route from the Trust's Exmoor basecamp at Countisbury to the Holnicote Estate.

The working holiday takes place between June 16-23.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further information.