Wildlife Welfare

Wild Water Vole Habitat Restoration

Water voles are one of the UK's most rapidly declining mammals. Habitat restoration and predator management support population recovery.

Key Facts

Water vole populations declined by 90% between 1960 and 2000
American mink predation is the primary driver of ongoing decline
Riparian habitat restoration creates corridors for population spread
Reintroduction programs have established new populations in suitable areas
Mink control is necessary for water vole recovery in most areas

Welfare Considerations

Water voles killed by mink suffer acute predation welfare harm. Recovery programs that create connected riparian habitat allow voles to establish and maintain territories with lower predation pressure. Individual vole welfare is served by habitat that provides adequate food, burrow sites, and escape routes from predators.

What You Can Do

Support Wildlife Trusts and other organizations restoring water vole habitat
Report water vole sightings to local conservation schemes
Avoid disturbing bank vegetation near water vole habitat
Advocate for mink control programs in water vole recovery areas