THIS summer Devon Wildlife Trust is asking people if they have ever seen a glow-worm.

The enchanting fairytale creature is the focus of the charity's current campaign which asks a simple question: have you seen glow-worms recently or in the past?

Researchers fear that the glow-worm's light may be disappearing from our lives.

Once a common night-time sight across Devon's meadows, grasslands, grass ver-ges and hedgerows, a combination of incr-eased herbicide/pesticide use and over-zealous grass cutting is believed to have destroyed many glow-worm colonies.

Steve Hussey of Devon Wildlife Trust said: 'We're looking for the public to help us help these wonderful creatures. Please be on the lookout for the glow-worm's unique green-yellow light. Those planning to go spotting should look in grassy areas.

The female glow-worms appear at the end of tall grass stems where they display their glowing abdomen to attract a mate. Glow-worm's can be seen after dark from May through to September, with a peak of activity in July.'

Devon Wildlife Trust hopes members of the public will contact them with details of their sightings. It's set up a special glow-worm survey form which takes just a couple of minutes to complete at http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org">www.devonwildlifetrust.org You can also call Devon Wildlife Trust with details of the location and date of your glow-worm sighting on 01392 279244.