IF you are outside at night this summer you might see the eerie green glow of one of the countryside's most enigmatic creatures; the glow worm and if you do, the North Devon Biosphere wants to hear about it.

The North Devon Biosphere, which covers parts of West Devon, is asking everyone to look out for glow worms and to report any sightings so that it can try to discover how these strange and wonderful insects are faring.

You can find more about this illuminating beetle and access an online and printable survey form on the website at http://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/2015-glow-worm-survey.html">www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/2015-glow-worm-survey.html or you can check to see how the spotting is going on Facebook and Twitter on @NDevonBiosphere.

A spokesperson for the North Devon Biosphere said: 'Glow-worm populations are thought to be struggling here and throughout the rest of England.

'The reasons for this are not entirely clear, but a combination of land use changes, pesticide use and even light pollution have been put forward as causes.

'Whatever the reasons, previous surveys have shown that there are still significant populations of these creatures in the North Devon Biosphere — in long grass alongside footpaths, on road verges, in gardens, hedgerows and even churchyards.

Where they do exist they continue to offer one of the most enchanting of all summer wildlife watching spectacles.

'Anyone who has ever seen a glow-worm will remember the experience.'