Endangered water voles return to area of England for first time in 20 years

You're much less likely to see a water vole today, than you would have 50 years ago.

They used to be a very common sight in the UK's rivers, but their population has declined by 97% since the 1970s.

As part of a project focused on bringing essential habitats, wetlands and peatlands back to life, water voles have started to make a comeback to restored waterways in the west of England.

Water voles are endangered in the UK

No water voles have been seen in the West of England for over 20 years but those working on the project hope the species will make a comeback.

Their numbers have decreased significantly since the 1970s thanks to habitat loss, polluted waterways and an invasive species called the American mink.

The project is helping to revive their habitat and restore the landscape.

Conservationists are working to monitor the voles and it's already off to a good start with evidence that the voles are breeding.

What is a water vole?

Water voles are small, brown mammals with tiny ears and brown fur.

They are sometimes mistaken for rats, but unlike rats they have a furry tail and are typically smaller in size.

As their name suggests, they're often found along waterways like rivers, marshes and streams.

Scottish water voles have darker coats than those found in England and Wales which are brown.

There are no water voles in Northern Ireland or on many of the islands around the UK.

Possibly the most famous water voles of all is Ratty from The Wind in the Willows book series.