Dozens of water voles have been released in Cornwall to aid wetland restoration.

The Duchy of Cornwall released 80 water voles into the River Fowey at Restormel.

Once declared extinct in the area in the 1990s, water voles are the fastest-declining mammal in England.

Since 2022, a nature programme has enhanced the river’s habitat with larger, deeper pools, creating ideal conditions for the species’ reintroduction.

Jeremy Clitherow, senior future farming advisor at the Duchy, called this reintroduction an “important first step in restoring this ancient landscape.”

“Water voles are important mini-ecosystem engineers,” he said.

“Their existence impacts soil and plant biodiversity around their burrows and riverbanks.

“They move nutrients around, bringing some to the surface, improving soil health and helping plants to grow.

“Above ground, their eating habits can help shape the ecosystem – their grazing helps control vegetation growth, making room for wildflowers and other native grasses to grow around the water banks.”

Additionally, 120 voles were recently released at The Lost Gardens of Heligan near Mevagissey.

More releases are scheduled for spring next year.

 

 

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