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Hertfordshire: Water voles thrive along River Ver after reintroduction

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION Water voleTerry Whittaker/2020VISION
Water vole occupancy in the Ver Valley has, on average, more than doubled each year since 2021

A UK mammal facing extinction is thriving two years after being reintroduced to a Hertfordshire river.

About 150 water voles were brought to the banks of the River Ver, west of St Albans, in August 2021 by the Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the Ver Valley Society.

Due to habitat loss, they had last been seen there in 1987.

The animals' occupancy in the Ver Valley has, on average, more than doubled each year, the trust said.

The trust said water voles were once abundant in rivers throughout Hertfordshire but populations declined by over 90% in the last 50 years due to habitat loss and because they are being preyed upon by American Mink, an invasive, non-native species

It added the voles are the fastest declining mammal in the country and face extinction.

Terry Whittaker/2020VISION Water VoleTerry Whittaker/2020VISION
Prior to 2021, water voles were last seen in the Ver Valley, north of St Albans, in 1987

The voles were reintroduced to a stretch of the River Ver after extensive restoration work to improve the area.

Since the release, the trust's water vole officer, Josh Kalms, has headed up a team of volunteers who have been trained to look for signs of water vole occupation, including latrines and feeding sites.

The first data collected in 2022 reported a 238% increase in range along the river and its watercourses, while this year's findings show the occupancy in the Ver Valley, has, on average, more than doubled each year.

Tom Marshall Water voleTom Marshall
Water voles are usually found in chalk rivers but since the 1950s their populations have decreased

Mr Kalms said water voles are a "key species" for maintaining "healthy wetland ecosystems" and it was "wonderful" to see how well they are doing on the River Ver.

"They are mini ecosystem engineers with their burrowing and feeding helping our river banks and wetlands stay in good condition," he said.

"Water voles are now occupying almost all of the River Ver between St Albans and Redbourn, with some travelling an additional 4.8km upstream.

"This year we counted more water vole field signs than the previous year and I'm thrilled to be able to share this amazing success story."

The trust added it is aiming to have water voles back in every river in Hertfordshire by 2030, subject to funding and suitable locations.

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