Wildlife

Wild Water Vole Habitat Restoration

Water voles have undergone the most rapid population decline of any UK mammal, and targeted habitat restoration along riverbanks is reversing losses in some regions.

Key Facts

UK water vole populations declined by 90% between 1990 and 2010
American mink introduced for fur farming are the primary predator driving water vole decline
Riparian habitat loss from development and overgrazing has also reduced populations
Mink management through trapping enables water vole recovery in mink-free zones
Reintroduction programmes in the Thames Valley and elsewhere have shown significant success

Welfare Considerations

Water vole recovery requires both mink management and habitat restoration. Individual reintroduced animals face welfare risks from predation, but population benefits justify the conservation approach.

What You Can Do

Report water vole sightings to your local wildlife trust
Support mink management programmes that enable water vole recovery
Create riparian vegetation buffers alongside watercourses on your land