VOLUNTEERS with a love for wildlife are being invited to sign up to a study to help monitor seal numbers on the river Tees.

The Canal & River Trust, the charity responsible for managing 2,000 miles of the nation’s waterways, is appealing for people to help as part of a study into their behaviour on the river.

Volunteers will record the numbers of seals, the species and the feeding behaviour during high tide times, for one hour. The surveys will be carried out from dry land using binoculars where necessary.

Phillippa Baron, ecologist for the Canal & River Trust, said: “For many people spotting the bobbing head of a seal in the river is a real joy but this is important work that will give us a much better understanding of seal behavior in and around the Barrage.

“This monitoring work will help to fill in some of the gaps in our knowledge and give us a fascinating insight into the seals’ lives.

“Although we’re not asking for any special skills or prior knowledge, it’s a great opportunity for anybody that’s into surveys and data to combine that interest with getting out in the fresh air and looking out for these amazing animals.”

Ideally volunteers will be able to give at least ten hours to the task to help achieve consistent data. Surveys will need to be carried out early in the morning, during the middle of the day and in the evening so volunteers would need to be available at these times.

Anyone interested in getting involved should be available for a training session at 3.45pm, July 19 at the Tees Barrage. To book email phillippa.baron@canalrivertrust.org.uk