An ambitious plan has been launched to reintroduce water voles into West Cumbria’s rivers.
As part of the Mink Free Rivers project at West Cumbria Rivers Trust, which is funded by the Environment Agency, conservationists are preparing for a potential reintroduction of this iconic species – and they need people’s help to track down their historical haunts.
Water voles were once a common sight along rivers and streams across the region but habitat loss and predation by invasive American mink have pushed the native species to the brink of extinction.
Izzie Mullin, project officer at the trust, said: “We know official records are scarce, but we believe they were once widespread in West Cumbria.
“Personal memories and local stories could be the missing piece of the puzzle.”
Water voles are known as a keystone species, essential for healthy river habitats.
As they eat riverside plants, they help to maintain vibrant ecosystems and increase biodiversity – all while providing a crucial food source for native predators.
The project team is asking for local knowledge about:
- Where you spotted water voles in West Cumbria (as precise as possible)
- When you saw them
- What the habitat was like
- What colour the water voles were
- Your name and contact details for follow-up
To share your memories, visit www.westcumbriariverstrust.org/projects/inns/water-voles or call 017687 75429
