AN army of volunteers is being recruited to help beat erosion which is threatening to destroy historic Barbury Castle.

The 2,600-year-old hill fort, near Wroughton, has suffered damage over the centuries from cattle, sheep, and, in more recent years, human visitors.

It is one of two ancient sites on the Ridgeway which are undergoing repair work.

Liddington Castle is also badly eroded and work there has already started using modern machinery.

But Swindon Borough Council rangers hope people power can be employed to help ensure Barbury Castle will be enjoyed by generations to come.

It is asking volunteers to meet at the far end of the car park at 9.30am on Saturday.

Work on the hill fort will continue until around 3pm but people can work for as much or as little time as they wish.

All equipment and materials will be supplied, but workers should bring warm weatherproof clothing and a packed lunch.

The procedure involves protecting the original ramparts with a layer of polypro-pylene matting, oak boards, small chalk pebbles, and geo-textile netting.

Michael Lilley, of the Swindon Ranger Service, warns that transporting the chalk by wheelbarrow across steep, grassy ramparts to fill in the scars is strenuous work.

The work is part of the Ridgeway Heritage Project, which is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It will run from this year to 2005 and has already carried out a full archaeological survey of the Ridgeway National Trail.