CONSERVATION groups came together in Weymouth to try and solve the mystery of the Dorset's disappearing water vole population.

Over 30 Volunteers from the RSPB, Weymouth Sea Life Park, River Wey Society and the Dorset Wildlife Trust met at the Sea Life Park for a special training day.

The park's resident family of Asian Short Clawed Otters was used to demonstrate to the volunteers how to spot signs of otter and water vole activity.

The volunteers were then split up into four teams to investigate Radipole and Lodmoor nature reserves.

Organises were hoping to make some important discoveries about the local populations that can help efforts in other areas.

Nick Tomlinson, from the RSPB, said: "We know that the nature reserves are rich in water voles and this day will give us an idea of the true extent of activity across the reserves."

Louise Matthews from the Sea Life Park said that the training with the otters helped the teams identify water vole activity, as they are close relations.

She added: "It's a good way of getting all the groups together, it's also a team building exercise. We don't often get a chance to come together like this."