ADVENTURER Katy Littler is heading off half way around the world to fight for environmental conservation, leaving her treasured hair-straightener and favourite films behind.

For ten weeks 21-year-old Katy will live in a mud hut and dig her own toilet as she works to set up a nature reserve in Madagascar.

The Frontier project, based on the world's fourth biggest island, aims to study what is left of the natural flora and fauna after years of destruction. But the former pupils of Witton Park High School and Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn, faces one of the hardest tasks before she takes off - raising £3,500 in sponsorship.

Katy, who will leave the family home in Yew Tree Drive, Blackburn, 5,636 miles away, said: "I back-packed across Asia last summer but this year wanted to do something different, rather than traipsing round not really knowing what I was doing. I want to work in conservation and it is impossible to get a foot in the door with out work experience. So this challenge seemed perfect."

For breakfast she will have to swop her favourite cinnamon bagels for Vary Amin Anana, a meat ball and green leaf soup, served as part of a fresh fruit and rice diet.

A 20-strong team will head off for the south-east side of the tropical island on July 1 in a bid to collate data on the wildlife, 80 per cent of which are species unique to the island.

Katy will have to leave "every element of luxury" behind when she packs for the basic camp with tarpaulin covers and mosquito nets situated in an area inaccessible to any tourists.

But she is undeterred by the prospect of snakes in her bed and working six days a week from dusk till dawn, or even the risk of malaria.

The daring adventurer, armed with a compulsory English-Malagasy dictionary, is concentrating more on the "once in a lifetime" experience and the chance of creating a permanent reserve.

While studying endemic species such as lemur and baobob trees which have become endangered since the island's population multiplied, Katy will also have the chance to take a BTech in tropical conservation.

"I am not really scared at all just really excited. This is a chance to grab right now to make a difference and have great memories. I suppose I have always wanted to make a difference and have always been into recycling, vegetarianism and doing a bit for the environment."

But the one luxury that the intrepid traveller will find room for in the back pack is hair conditioner, even if she struggles to find the chance to wash it.

Katy said: "I think working in the heat and humidity will be one of the hardest parts but I am a bit of a film buff so will really miss all the latest summer releases."

Katy's family are said to be really proud and excited about the expedition but her 19-year-old brother Ben thinks she is "a little bit mad".

Anne Etherington, Katy's mother, said: "She just keeps keep wandering off but I admire her so much for being so committed to the environment and not compromising her strong beliefs. Living this way, so far from home is very impressive."

Frontier, the society for environmental exploration, is a conservation agency organising projects lasting between 28 days and 20 weeks. Volunteers can take part in placements all over the world from researching ecology in Mozambique, biodiversity in Vietnam or protecting areas on Mafia Island.

All volunteers have to raise a minimum £2,500 to cover insurance, flights and basic necessities through sponsorship or donations and Katy is currently working to promote her trip by organising leaflet drops and an evening function.

More information about the Frontier environment research group is available at www.frontier.ac.uk. The work will be overseen by the United Nations Environmental Scientific and Community Organisation.