The surveys show that the Derwent catchment, which includes rivers such as the Wye and Lathkill, as well as the main River Derwent, supports several strong breeding populations and is a regional stronghold for this endangered species. However, they are faring badly in the Dove catchment.

Helen Perkins, the Trust's Water for Wildlife Manager, said : "Water voles are only just hanging on in the Dove catchment and they have disappeared altogether from the main River Dove and larger sidestreams such as the Manifold.

"Predation by the non-native American mink would appear to be the main reason why water voles are now a rare sight in this part of the Peak District. Mink are effective predators of water voles; they can catch them in the water and can also get into water vole burrow systems."

However, there are still small populations of water voles living on some sidestreams of the Dove catchment, such as Henmore Brook and Bletch Brook, and Helen thinks there may be even more around the area.

She says: "There are many small sidestreams in the Upper Dove catchment, both on the Derbyshire and the Staffordshire side of the River Dove.

"We are appealing for information from landowners and the public about water voles in these areas. If anyone knows of any sites where they still remain please get in touch.

"We want to do everything we can to ensure that water voles do not become extinct in the catchment. Surveys that we have undertaken so far suggest that we face a huge challenge to ensure that mink do not predate any remaining populations and prevent them from expanding.

"The recent persistent and heavy rainfall has also put many of the small populations, such as those living along Henmore Brook, at risk.

"When river and stream levels rise quickly water voles may drown in their burrows or be washed away. Where they can escape to higher ground they are more vulnerable to predation".

She said the Trust's Water Voles in the White Peak Project, which has received £175,000 from the SITA Trust, aims to create new areas of habitat for water voles, particularly along sidestreams and in wetlands, away from main rivers which are vulnerable to flooding events and are inhabitated by mink.

"We are working with the Peak District National Park to enhance water vole habitat at Bradwell, Calver and Froggatt and with Natural England to create additional habitat along the River Lathkill.

"Remaining populations at Carsington Water and along Henmore Brook are absolutely vital for the future re-colonisation of the Upper Dove catchment, so we are linking up with Severn Trent Water, the Environment Agency, local angling clubs and landowners to protect these remnant colonies".

If you have any information about water voles in the White Peak and surrounding areas, please contact Derbyshire Wildlife Trust on 01773 881188 or via enquiries@derbyshirewt.co.uk.