Norfolk’s water voles to benefit from new conservation project
Wildlife organisations team up to improve habitats for water voles along the Wensum and Yare rivers
A new conservation project aims to improve conditions for Norfolk's water voles, a species that has seen a decline due to habitat loss and predation by non-native species
The initiative involves the Norfolk Wildlife Trust working in collaboration with the Norfolk Rivers Trust and is funded by Natural England with £25,000.
The project will focus on the Wensum and Yare rivers and involves researching the current whereabouts of water vole populations using surveys and computer models.
This data will help identify areas where new habitats can be developed to connect isolated populations.
Helen Backzkowska, Conservation Research and Evidence Manager at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said, “The recent near eradication of mink in Norfolk creates a unique opportunity to return the species to its former glory throughout Norfolk’s waterways.
Evidence suggests that our remaining water vole populations are found in isolated patches of suitable habitat, unable to move freely throughout our river system.
By discovering more about where water voles are currently living, we can identify where new habitats need to be created to provide corridors for water voles to move, and thrive.
And everything we do to help our water voles will, in turn, benefit a wide array of other river wildlife and create healthy waterways for our communities to enjoy.”
The research will lead to actionable steps for land managers and decision-makers along the rivers, with guidance and workshops facilitated by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.
Individuals who own or manage land in the Yare or Wensum areas and are interested in supporting water vole habitats are encouraged to contact the Wilder Landscapes team at Norfolk Wildlife Trust.