WILDLIFE charity People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) is calling for volunteers to take part in its national water vole survey. 

Water vole populations have plummeted by 90 per cent since the 1970s and are Britain’s fastest declining mammal due to habitat loss and fragmentation.  

In order to take part in the survey, which runs until June 15, volunteers are needed to go down to a local river or stream and look for water voles and record their findings.  

Popular sites for water voles include the River Frome in Tincleton and a few sites near Wimborne Minster on the River Stour. 

Read more: Areas where water voles found down 30% in a decade – report

Emily Sabin, water vole officer at PTES, said: “We need volunteers to help us find where water voles are living, how their populations are changing year on year, and crucially, where they’re in most need of conservation action.  

“This data is vital to help save water voles and to ensure they one day become a common sight on our riverbanks again.” 

Read more: Baby water voles spotted at Moors Valley

Water voles have glossy dark brown fur and a blunt snout with small, black eyes. Their ears are rounded and almost hidden, and they have a furry tail. 

Findings can be recorded online at www.ptes.org/watervoles.