Conservation schemes aim to restore England’s water voles

More than 300 water voles were released across the UK in September as part of numerous efforts to restore the species’ dwindling populations. Water voles are the fastest-declining mammal in England but have seen numbers boosted with recent releases in Cornwall, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire.

The first release of more than 100 animals was at the Idle Valley Nature Reserve, as part of the Nottinghamshire Water Vole Recovery Project. Running until March 2025, the scheme is investing £491,740 in measures to restore and create wetland habitat to support the species.

The Duchy of Cornwall then announced the release of 80 water voles in the River Fowey. It said the larger and deeper pools created along the river through a nature programme had made an ideal habitat for the rodents. Jeremy Clitherow, senior farming advisor for the Duchy of Cornwall said the reintroduction was “an important first step in restoring the ancient landscape.”

Lastly, the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants released some 116 water voles at the Nene Wetlands, using recycled Pringles tubes to transport the animals. The Trust said that water voles in Northamptonshire have become restricted to a “few isolated colonies” and there were none in the area around the Nene wetlands since 2000. Conservation manager Matt Johnstone said reintroductions “must be planned and managed properly to ensure there is a healthy habitat for the new arrivals.”