Water Voles Reappear in Local Waterways After Two Decades

Water voles, described as “charismatic,” have reappeared in local waterways, marking their first presence in two decades. This reintroduction effort, spearheaded by the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) and supported by the Bristol Zoological Society, has facilitated the mammals’ re-establishment across the Severn Shoreline Levels and Moors, spanning North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Their numbers had previously been decimated by the non-native American mink, a species originally introduced to the UK for its fur. According to Ecologist Eric Swithinbank of the Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT), these “charismatic” creatures serve as “really important mini ecosystem engineers.” Concurrent with the reintroduction, conservationists have been actively restoring vital intertidal habitats, wetlands, and peatlands. The AWT has been tracking the vole population, reporting “a lot of evidence” confirming the species’ comeback. Mr. Swithinbank further noted, “It’s coming into winter now and they’re likely resting… but there’s good evidence with burrows and nibbled crops.” He also mentioned that reeds and rushes, a primary food source for the mammals, are typically left at a 45° angle after being consumed. This initiative forms a component of the wider Severn Shoreline restoration programme in the region and has received a £370,000 grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority (WECA). Mr. Swithinbank highlighted that water voles contribute to riverbank maintenance, and their burrows provide nesting locations for other creatures, such as bumble bees. Additionally, these animals serve as a crucial food source for predators like owls, underscoring “lots of reasons to look after them.” Dan Norris, the mayor of WECA, commented, “The re-introduction of water voles is a very tangible and accessible project and hopefully one that will open the door for everyone in the west of England to get behind the Local Nature Recovery Strategy.” For updates, follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story submissions can be sent via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note that the BBC bears no responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.