THE Devizes-based Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is urging people to get out into the woods to join in the Great Nut Hunt.

The event is a nationwide effort to find out more about one of Europe's rarest animals the dormouse.

Dormouse detectives are needed because the loss of ancient woodland and unsympathetic woodland management have contributed to the disappearance of the animals from half their former range over the last century.

Conservationists want to ensure the species continues to thrive but need to know more about where the dormice are and how they fared since the first Great Nut Hunt in 1993.

The answer will provide an important clue to how conservation efforts are working.

The nocturnal dormouse has a habit that makes it easy to spot the way it nibbles hazelnuts. Its full name is Muscardinus avellianarius, or hazel dormouse.

The trust's Mark Satinet said: "Dormice nibble a small hole in the shell so they can get the nut out from inside.

"If you find a shell with a round hole about a centimetre across and teeth marks at an angle to the edge, you're probably not far from a sleeping dormouse.

Volunteers from all over Wiltshire have already started nut hunting at 50 key sites where dormice have been recorded, but more nutters of all ages are needed.

The trust's Wildlife Watch groups for junior wildlife lovers are in woodlands across the county, looking for nibbled nuts.

To join in, contact the trust on (01380) 725670 for a Great Nut Hunt pack with free magnifying glass.