It is estimated there are up to 2,000 pairs of the owls in the UK

The Hawk and Owl Trust wants the public's help in identifying areas where the long-eared owl breeds.

Members of the conservation group started the campaign by carrying out a survey in the Mendip Hills.

Spokesman Chris Sperring said: "We hope the information collected will provide valuable data to ensure the future conservation of the species."

The trust is asking members of the public to listen out for the owl throughout March.

It is attempting to find out more about the areas the bird is using for breeding. This will help the group draw up conservation guidelines.

The owl, which has bright orange eyes and prominent 'ear' tufts', is nocturnal. It is estimated there are between 1,500 and 2,000 pairs in the UK.

Its favoured habitat is woodland or scrub surrounded by rough grassland.