Water voles return to wetlands to bolster numbers

The voles were released at Stanwick Lakes, Northamptonshire, this summer

More than 80 water voles are thriving at a wetlands reserve after they were reintroduced to halt the species' decline.

The mammals at Stanwick Lakes marked "the first project-based species reintroduction and a landmark conservation milestone", the charity that runs the Northamptonshire site said.

Volunteers worked on the project, alongside the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, which has a site at nearby Rushden Lakes.

Trail camera footage has shown that the "animals are feeding and establishing themselves in their new habitat", it added.

The charity said the species, that was once widespread across Northamptonshire, had suffered devastating declines, disappearing from 94% of their former range nationally.

It said their return was "a major step towards reversing that loss".

A large number of water voles were released last year at the Nene Wetlands

The voles were bred by the Derek Gow Consultancy in Devon, to help maintain healthy riverside ecosystems by creating burrowing and grazing create space for other wildlife to thrive, the charity said.

A short film has also been produced to showcase the release.

The water vole is under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by the American mink, according to the Wildlife Trusts, and are listed as endangered on both the Great Britain and the England Red List for Mammals.

'Turnkey moments'

Colin Cadle, a volunteer, said: "When I first came to Stanwick Lakes to monitor water vole habitats, I never imagined I'd one day help feed and release them back into the wild.

"Being involved at every stage - from those early surveys to seeing the animals settle in - has been incredible."

Isaac Manley, assistant ranger, said: "This experience has given me some incredible turnkey moments early in my professional journey.

"It builds on years of habitat development by previous teams and shows the pathways projects like this can open up for young people in conservation."

The Stanwick Lakes release comes a year after more than 100 voles were released at the neighbouring Nene Wetlands.

"Introducing voles along the riverbanks that link the two reserves helps strengthen the population, with the River Nene providing the essential corridor for their long-term survival and reconnecting fragmented populations", Stanwick Lakes said.

Liz Williams, its project lead and nature engagement coordinator, said: "This project shows the value of collaborative conservation.

"Working with the Wildlife Trust has helped us create the best conditions for these water voles to thrive.

"Involving volunteers and the public also fosters a sense of stewardship for our native species."