Water vole populations have plunged over the last decade

Over the last 10 years, the species has declined so much that it is now on the brink of extinction in the county.

Recent surveys reveal the native mammal, immortalised as Ratty in Wind in the Willows, has declined by up to 96% in the North West region.

A new partnership project between Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Eden Rivers Trust has been launched to rescue the water vole from possible extinction.

Cumbria's waterways should encourage a thriving population of water voles.

Public help

But conservationists say the pressure of agriculture, and the spread of non-native American mink have had catastrophic effects.

Steps are being taken to discover to what extent water voles still exist in Cumbria.

In particular, researchers from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and the Eden Rivers Trust will be studying the River Eden and have appealed to the public for their help.

They are asking "Water Vole Detectives" to look into rivers, canals, ponds, reed beds, ditches for evidence of the creatures.

Anyone who would like to get involved is asked to contact Ruth Dalton at the Cumbria Wildlife Trust on 01539 816300.