Help stop an ‘alarming decline’ of water voles
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS TO TAKE PART IN AN ANNUAL SURVEY
VOLUNTEERS are wanted to take part in this year’s survey of water voles, after none of the native wild mammals were seen in Staffordshire in 2023.
Running from April 15 to June 15, volunteers are needed to survey a local waterway in a bid to help endangered water voles. Last year, just three sites were monitored in Staffordshire, without any voles being detected.
While in Derbyshire, no sites were surveyed at all.
Now organisers the People’s Trust for Endangered Species’ (PTES) are keen for local residents to get involved.
‘Water vole watchers’ are being asked to visit their nearest stream, river, ditch or canal in search of the mammals (or their signs) and record findings at ptes.org/watervoles.
Emily Sabin, water vole officer at PTES, said: “With their glossy dark brown fur, blunt snouts and furry tails, water voles are incredibly cute, but the decline they continue to experience is nothing short of alarming.
“Thankfully, in some areas water voles are starting to make a comeback due to habitat restoration work and increased mink control, but their numbers are still much lower than they should be.
“To prevent any further losses, and to hopefully start seeing water voles across our waterways more broadly, we need as many people to take part in our survey as possible.”
Tell-tale signs include feeding stations, burrows in the riverbank, latrines (piles of droppings) or listening for their characteristic ‘plop’ as they dive into the water.
There are 700 pre-selected sites volunteers can survey, or a new site can be registered. No prior experience is needed, and free training via Zoom in April and May, and ID guides, are available online.