NATURE enthusiasts can get up close to Britain's smallest mammals at Knowsley Safari Park.

Guided by the safari’s team of experts and specialists, people can get under the skin of the forest and gather insight into the lives and behaviours of resident native species this weekend on July 29 and 30.

These include wood mice and bank voles, as well as building and setting live capture traps that will be left overnight.

The following morning, nature investigators will be invited back to uncover the results from the night before and log their findings to help aid future research.

Bridget Murray, research officer at Knowsley Safari, said: “We monitor native species regularly at Knowsley Safari, but this is the first time that visitors will be able to roll up their sleeves and get involved in the action.

“Small mammals are a key part in keeping the sensitive ecosystem in balance. Any decline in the population would have adverse affect on many species, so it is important that we are aware of any increase or decrease in populations.

“Adventure really is calling for local nature lovers to help us achieve our task to identify as many small mammals as we can.”

It takes place on Friday, July 29 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturday morning from 7.45am to 9.30am.

Cost is £5 and more information is on knowsleysafariexperience.co.uk.