Washburn Valley release for threatened water voles

A water vole was famously depicted as 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows

More than 100 water voles, a mammal that is under serious threat from habitat loss, are to be released into a rural valley.

They are to be let go into Timble Ings Woods in the Washburn Valley, North Yorkshire by Yorkshire Water.

The captive-bred animals will be held in release pens to acclimatise before being released into the wild.

A local conservation expert said the site had been chosen to "maximise their chances of survival".

Kelly Harmar, biodiversity officer at Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), added: "Water voles are in decline nationwide and recent surveys in the AONB revealed precious few populations of water vole on our local rivers."

Water voles are identified as a key species for conservation in the AONB.

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Timble Ings Woods are owned and managed by Yorkshire Water and are said to be ideal for water voles.

Lee Pitcher, of Yorkshire Water, said: "The work we've undertaken at Timble Ings Woods makes it a fantastic habitat for water voles and is important for the protection of this vulnerable species."

• The water vole is under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by the non-native American mink

• Found along waterways, it is similar to the brown rat but with a blunt nose, small ears and furry tail

• A water vole was famously depicted as 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's children's tale, The Wind in the Willows

Source: The Wildlife Trusts

The Washburn Valley contains several reservoirs and is in a thinly-populated area between Blubberhouses and Otley.

Visitors to Timble Ings Woods are asked stay on the paths and keep dogs on a lead as water voles are sensitive to disturbance.

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