Wildlife Conservation

Wild Water Vole Reintroduction and Population Recovery

Water voles suffered a catastrophic decline driven by American mink predation and habitat loss. Targeted mink control and reintroduction programmes are enabling recovery.

Key Facts

Water vole populations declined by approximately 95% between the 1960s and 2000
American mink introduced to the UK were the primary driver of water vole decline
Mink control in key river systems has enabled natural water vole recovery
The People's Trust for Endangered Species coordinates a national water vole reintroduction programme
Bankside vegetation management and protection from cattle poaching supports water vole habitat

Welfare Considerations

Water vole recovery demonstrates that targeted predator management and habitat restoration can reverse even catastrophic population collapses. Each restored population represents hundreds of individual animals no longer lost.

What You Can Do

Support People's Trust for Endangered Species water vole conservation programmes
Report water vole sightings to local wildlife trusts
Advocate for bankside vegetation buffer strips on agricultural land near water vole habitat