NATURE lovers in the Weaver Valley can learn about the conservation of a precious and well-loved waterway mammal this month.

The Saltscape Partnership is looking for volunteers in mid Cheshire to take part in a project to restore water vole habitat along the River Weaver.

A training course takes place at Frodsham Community Centre on the weekend on Sunday, July 26, run by Saltscape partners Cheshire Wildlife Trust and RECORD (the local Biological Records Centre ).

Volunteers will learn how to monitor and record sightings which will assist in understanding the success of habitat conservation in the area.

Alison Lomax, manager of the Saltscape Landscape Partnership, said: "Water voles are Britain’s fastest declining wild mammal and this project represents a fantastic opportunity for local people to get actively involved in a riverbank restoration project, safeguarding their future in the Weaver Valley."

Eric Fletcher, from RECORD, said: "The training will mainly focus on the feeding evidence, latrines and burrows as well as looking at some other similar species such as the otter and larger mink."

To book a place email Eric@record-lrc.co.uk, ring 01244 383749 or visit saltscape.co.uk.