Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and UK Water Vole Recovery 2026

Water vole populations showed encouraging recovery in targeted catchments in 2026, with mink control and habitat management delivering results.

Key Facts

UK water vole populations declined by 90% from the 1970s to 2000 due to American mink predation
Coordinated mink control across river catchments has enabled water vole recovery in target areas
Captive breeding and translocation programs have recolonised suitable habitats in multiple counties
Bank habitat management including tussock grass and rush vegetation improves vole welfare and survival
Water vole populations are now recorded in areas from which they were absent for 20+ years

Welfare Considerations

Water vole recovery shows that coordinated, targeted conservation delivers results. Each recolonised river reach represents welfare success for a formerly absent population.

What You Can Do

Support your local water vole conservation project
Report water vole sightings to population monitoring programs
Advocate for mink control programs on rivers with water vole reintroduction potential