VOLUNTEERS are needed to tackle conservation work in Wasdale.

The National Trust and West Cumbria Rivers Trust have launched a variety of opportunities for volunteers.

People will have the chance to help with conservation works including habitat improvement along rivers, hedge laying, invasive species removal, surveying and tree planting.

And work is being carried out to improve the habitat for freshwater mussels in the River Irt. The species is in decline because of habitat degradation.

In a bid to tackle this, work parties will be carrying out habitat improvements on the second Wednesday of every month. This will help reverse the decline of the freshwater mussel and also improve the area for fish, birds and other wildlife.

The monthly activities will be seasonal and co-ordinated by either the National Trust or West Cumbria Rivers Trust. This will be an opportunity to explore new places, learn new skills, meet new people and help the environment.

Stephen Bewsher, university student, said: "Over the past few months I have been helping with river walkover surveys. Volunteering with the Trust is something I look forward to; there is always something new with each experience!"

These events complement the ongoing project West Cumbria Rivers Trust is running to improve the habitat along the River Irt funded by Biffa Award, NuGEN, Drigg and Carleton Community Fund and the National Trust.

For more details, or to sign up, contact Andrew Porter on 019467 26472, andrew.porter@nationaltrust.org.uk or Chris West on 07496590987, chris@westcumbriariverstrust.org