THIS week, the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) annual water vole survey begins.

The survey runs from April 15 until June 15, and volunteers from all around the country are needed to survey local waterways. 

This is done in a bid to help endangered water voles, that have experienced the most serious decline of any native wild mammal.

A spokesperson said: "To help, volunteer ‘water vole watchers’ are asked to visit their nearest stream, river, ditch, or canal in search of water voles (or their signs) and record what they find online.

"The data produced is crucial so that PTES can understand where water voles need the most help and implement targeted conservation measures, such as restoring degraded rivers and improving connectivity between wetlands."

Two sites in Cumbria were surveyed last year but neither showed signs of water vole presence, so members of the public are encouraged to take part this year.