I was very pleased to read in Wagtail's nature column (The Argus Weekend, September 15) that he appreciated the hard work the volunteers of Friends of Sheepcote Valley have put into the area.

Over recent years, we have planted hundreds of trees, built picnic tables, litterpicked and organised nature walks.

Yes, we do have great problems with motorbikes and travellers. As a group, we work with the police and Brighton and Hove City Council in an effort to remedy these problems and we certainly need more help from both quarters.

However, where I do disagree with Wagtail is his totally negative view. Sheepcote Valley is still well worth a visit. Only recently, the group worked alongside Same Sky to produce the bird chalk figure on the hillside.

On a recent Saturday, the group was out building another picnic table, aided by some of the travellers' children. This prompted some of the travellers to round up the burned-out vehicles left by a previous group ready for removal.

Of course, we get dispirited at times but I feel we must continue to educate all who visit and endeavour to continue with the improvement of this beautiful valley, a treasure unknown to so many Brightonians.

-J Evans, Chair of Friends of Sheepcote Valley