More than 80 water voles are thriving at a Northamptonshire wetlands reserve following their reintroduction, a move aimed at reversing the species’ sharp decline.

The population at Stanwick Lakes represents “the first project-based species reintroduction and a landmark conservation milestone,” according to the charity managing the site.

Volunteers collaborated with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, which also oversees a nearby reserve at Rushden Lakes. Trail camera footage has confirmed that the voles are feeding well and establishing themselves in their new habitat.

Once common across Northamptonshire, water voles have vanished from 94% of their former range across the UK. The charity described their successful return as “a major step towards reversing that loss.”

The animals were bred by the Derek Gow Consultancy in Devon, whose work supports the restoration of healthy riverbank ecosystems. By burrowing and grazing, water voles help create conditions for a wider range of wildlife to flourish.

A short film has also been produced to document the release.

Water voles remain under serious threat from habitat loss and predation by the invasive American mink. They are currently listed as endangered on both the Great Britain and England Red Lists for Mammals.

This reintroduction follows the release of more than 100 water voles at the neighbouring Nene Wetlands last year.

Colin Cadle, a volunteer, said: “When I first came to Stanwick Lakes to monitor water vole habitats, I never imagined I’d one day help feed and release them back into the wild.

“Being involved at every stage – from those early surveys to seeing the animals settle in – has been incredible.”

Isaac Manley, assistant ranger, said: “This experience has given me some incredible turnkey moments early in my professional journey.

“It builds on years of habitat development by previous teams and shows the pathways projects like this can open up for young people in conservation.”

This reintroduction follows the release of more than 100 water voles at the neighbouring Nene Wetlands last year.

“Introducing voles along the riverbanks that link the two reserves helps strengthen the population, with the River Nene providing the essential corridor for their long-term survival and reconnecting fragmented populations”, Stanwick Lakes said.

Liz Williams, its project lead and nature engagement coordinator, said: “This project shows the value of collaborative conservation.

“Working with the Wildlife Trust has helped us create the best conditions for these water voles to thrive.

“Involving volunteers and the public also fosters a sense of stewardship for our native species.”

 

——————————————————————————

At Natural World Fund, we are passionate about restoring habitats in the UK to halt the decline in our wildlife.