Positive signs that mink control is having an impact - Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
The team behind an ambitious project set up to help control the numbers of non-native mink to help bring threatened water voles back from the brink says it has been encouraged by recent observations that suggest their efforts are supporting a range of water bird species.
Through its Water Vole Recovery project – funded through Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme & supported by Severn Trent - the Trust has been taking concerted action to reduce mink has enabled the Trust to take concerted action to reduce mink numbers in the River Erewash and River Idle catchments as well as on watercourses in the Sherwood Forest area. Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme delivers targeted action for threatened species with bespoke needs.
Over the summer we have been heartened by observations by members of the team, partner landowners and volunteers suggesting that the action, designed to support the recovery of water voles, may also be supporting a number of water birds including great crested grebes and moorhens.
Recent observations by long-term volunteer Phil Carter, who helps monitor the sand martin colony that uses the special sand martin nesting hide behind Attenborough Nature Centre, suggest that efforts to reduce mink numbers maybe having the desired effect – and the Trust is keen to hear other people’s observations of how grebes and other species have fared this season.
Speaking about his observations Phil said: “Mink have been having a negative impact on great crested grebes and other species at Attenborough for a number of years, and it’s been a delight to see more great crested grebe chicks this year.”
Posted On: 15/08/2025
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