IT’S a peaceful jungle paradise far from the madding crowd.

But an enchanting rainforest retreat deep in the Amazon Basin is on the brink of collapse after an invasion of one of Mother Nature’s tiniest creatures.

Last night the settlement’s horrified “Gringo Amazon Chief”, speaking from his home in Hampshire, made a desperate appeal for volunteers to help rebuild his ecohotel in Peru, which has been laid to waste by millions of termites.

Former teacher and taxi driver Michael Read, of Chandler’s Ford, built his Curaca Camp in 2007 after holidaying there with his wife Amalia, who hails from the South American country.

It is the first of two rainforest settlements he has created for his Peru Experience tourist company and features basic living quarters in a natural setting in an area native to the Yagua tribe.

But the collection of log cabins sleeping 12 people and the kitchen and dining room are so rotten and riddled with termite holes it is unsafe for people to stay there anymore.

It means the livelihoods of about 25 villagers working as guides and labourers on the site are at risk.

Mr Read, 71, visits for six weeks every year where he stays in his chief’s cocamera – a roundhouse of branches – and wears a headdress and traditional champa – a knee-length skirt.

He said: “I am devastated. We set it up to enable people to live closer to nature but ironically nature has overcome us.

“All the hard work has been destroyed, but we have a solution if people can come to our rescue.”

He wants to recruit at least 12 volunteers for a two-week trip, pointing out it differs from many other volunteering projects because it is so remote and focuses on preserving the natural world.

He added: “It’s a chance for people to do something positive to help the planet while learning about new cultures. It would be perfect for students breaking up from university for the holidays.”

Volunteers must be over 18 and physically fit. A basic knowledge of Spanish is recommended but not essential and people can opt for a three-week stay afterwards to explore the region.

  • Contact 023 8036 6114 or 07801 507100 or email michaelread@peru-experience.com if you can help.