Water channels cleared to entice water voles back

Water voles have left Lady Bay due to minks and loss of habitat, the council says

A nature reserve has been cleared through to entice back its lost water voles.

The Hook in Lady Bay, Nottinghamshire, has undergone a desilting project to clear more than 600 sq m (6,500 sq ft) of its waterways and banks.

In addition, large amounts of vegetation, including reeds in the river and brambles from the banks, have been removed.

Rushcliffe Borough Council hopes the works will allow water to flow more freely, which will increase biodiversity and in turn make the reserve a better place to visit.

The project, along the channel between Holme Road and the Trent, is aimed at encouraging the return of water voles to the area.

The council said the aquatic mammals had disappeared due to a loss of habitat and being hunted by minks.

The work will also benefit birds, such as snipe and water rail, and insect populations.

The workers have been creating clearer channels and pools for wading birds

Deputy council leader Abby Brennan said: “The desilting will help to restore the reserve’s watercourse and create a vibrant habitat for birds, insects and water voles, which we hope to see more of.

“Clearing areas of the bank of bramble will also allow other vegetation to grow to benefit insects.

“These works will also enhance the visitor experience of the Hook, which is heavily used by dog walkers and other visitors for recreation activities all year round.”

Jane Browne, secretary of the Friends of The Hook, said the group would “watch with interest” to see the wildlife the work attracted.