A new report from The Wildlife Trusts identifies continued decline in water vole populations but that is balanced against heartening increases in areas where conservation efforts have been focused.
The report examines water vole distribution over ten years by analysing the number of 10km grid squares across the country where water voles are present.
Statistics show the overall water vole range declining – a 39% decrease in the number of areas occupied by water voles compared to the 2006 baseline.
However, when the data is examined more closely encouraging trends emerge.
The Wildlife Trusts’ project also looks at the concentration of water voles and has found that whilst the national picture is one of overall decline, some important local pockets of water vole populations have been increasing.
Mark Dinning, Head of Conservation at the Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “As has been the trend nationally, the North East has seen a significant decline in water voles over the past 20 years.
“From 2015-2021 the decline accelerated and many previously healthy lowland populations were lost.
“This was largely due to the spread and increase in numbers of the invasive American mink which have been devastating for water vole populations nationwide.
“Habitat loss and degradation also contribute to the decline.
“Upland populations of water voles still remain, showing that with the correct conservation efforts we can save this iconic species, and in our region Durham Wildlife Trust works together with Northumberland and Tees Valley wildlife trusts to deliver conservation efforts for water voles.
“Recent projects have allowed us to enhance habitats and protect known populations whilst planning for the future restoration of this important species.”
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Ali Morse, Water Policy Manager at The Wildlife Trusts, says: “The data is giving us a very clear message.
“The overall national picture is one of decline due to the destruction of natural habitats and predation by the non-native American mink. However, water vole populations will thrive when the right conditions are created. It’s heartening to see that we can still rescue Ratty, if we all plan well and co-ordinate our efforts.
“Water voles are mini ecosystem engineers, rather like beavers, and they contribute greatly to healthy river ecology. Reversing their historic loss needs to be a key focus of our conservation efforts.”