Water vole reintroduction on farmland boosting other wildlife
A recent reintroduction of a threatened native species to the Lower Avon Valley on the Hampshire-Dorset border has provided a welcome boost to other species too, say scientists from New Forest-based national conservation charity the GWCT.
Immortalised by Kenneth Grahame as poetic dreamer Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, the native water vole (Arvicola amphibius) is a rare sight in the British countryside today. Habitat loss and predation have diminished the population of Britain’s largest vole by over 90% and they are believed to be extinct in 97% of their former range.
This summer, 60 water voles were released into the water meadows of the River Avon on the Bisterne Estate south of Ringwood to try to re-establish a viable population. Ahead of the release, the estate’s gamekeeper Rupert Brewer and wetlands ecologist Lizzie Grayshon from the GWCT worked hard to create the perfect home for the new residents. Now, trail cameras are showing that the improved habitats are also attracting winter visitors who have not been seen there in numbers for many years.
“We are seeing far more waterfowl using the river meadows,” said Lizzie. “Our trail cameras are showing good numbers of less common species such as gadwall and widgeon. It is really encouraging to see them as it shows that our habitat work is paying off for a wide range of species. The water vole reintroduction, and the benefits for other threatened wildlife, shows that not all species reintroductions require re-wilding of the landscape or designation as nature reserves,” continued Lizzie. “Wildlife can thrive on farmland when there is active management of habitat and predation, driven by a landowner or manager committed to conservation.”
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Posted On: 28/11/2022