Volunteers discover a 40-year old-Mars bar wrapper in the grasslands of Mill Hill in Barnes.

Members from Barnes Common Limited charity during its most recent conservation volunteering session spotted the chocolate bar wrapper in "quite good condition".

The wrapper, dating back to around 1985, was made from polypropylene, a material expected to decompose in landfill within 30 years—though some estimates suggest it could take over 500 years.

Barnes Common said: "As you can see, our wrapper is about 40 years old and is still looking great, which isn't such good news for the ecosystem it was deposited in.

"Litter and waste, especially plastic waste is a huge problem for our environment, and one that's entirely caused by human action.

"Litter harms wildlife: animals can get entangled in plastic waste, injured by broken glass and sharp metal from cans, trapped inside discarded bottles and containers or choke on plastic balloons and bags."

Despite the issue, the group welcomed Mars' trial of paper wrappers in the UK last year, a move other brands have also explored.

Barnes Common invite residents to join its next litter pick on 23 March. Find out more here.

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