DOG walkers, hikers and nature lovers are being asked to volunteer to help improve local streams.

The Wear Rivers Trust needs help from people in the Annfield Plain and Stanley areas in recording data about the health of watercourses which feed the Twizell Burn.

Trained volunteers will collect useful information while visiting the Memorial Park at South Moor and Langley Plantation, near Quaking Houses including flow, water rainfall, invertebrate and water quality.

Data will be easy to collect and record, and will be used to design a series of wetlands to intercept dirty water whilst also creating new habitats for wildlife.

Lucy Lovett, Education and Community Engagement Officer for the Trust said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved and really make a difference to their local environment.

“By taking a few simple measurements whilst out enjoying the countryside or walking the dog, people will enable us to gain vital information about local streams which we can then use to help design the new wetlands.”

The Trust is also keen to hear from anyone in the area who is already recording local rainfall data.

Volunteers are also wanted for a Riverfly Monitoring Scheme, which involves monthly sampling of river invertebrates to gain an understanding of water quality.

A free Riverfly Training Day will take place at Low Barnes Nature Reserve near Witton-le-Wear on Friday, September 25 for anyone wishing to take part.

For further details, please contact the Wear Rivers Trust on 01388 488867.