Wildlife

Wildlife: Water Vole Population Recovery

Water voles are one of the UK's most rapidly declining mammals, and recovery programmes combine habitat restoration with targeted mink control.

Key Facts

UK water vole populations declined by approximately 90% between 1960 and 1995
American mink are the primary cause of decline, as they can enter water vole burrows
Habitat loss through drainage and bank modification is a secondary driver
Captive breeding and reintroduction programmes have been established across the UK
Mink management through humane trapping is considered essential for water vole recovery

Welfare Considerations

Water voles face predation pressure that causes population-level welfare harm through loss of entire colonies. Mink control involves welfare trade-offs that must be assessed carefully. Live trapping with rapid checking intervals and humane dispatch is the welfare-preferred method. Habitat management that provides dense bankside vegetation reduces vole vulnerability and supports natural population resilience.

What You Can Do

Support local wildlife trusts running water vole recovery programmes
Participate in training to operate mink control rafts under licence
Report water vole sightings to local records centres
Plant dense bankside vegetation to provide cover and food for water voles
Avoid disturbance to bank areas where water voles are present