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Water voles released at Seaton Wetlands

Numbers have been declining due to loss of habitat

The water voles have been bred by a team of ecological consultants who specialise in mammal conservation and re-introduction ecology, and are based in West Devon.


Water voles have suffered decline due to loss of habitat, an increase in predation from non-native American mink and increasing urbanisation. The Water Vole Project will see a phased release of the water voles at Seaton Wetlands, into a habitat suitable for them to thrive.

 

In 2008, 100 water voles were released at Seaton Wetlands, and surveys reveal that numbers have been maintained but not flourished. 


Cllr Marcus Hartnell, East Devon District Council's deputy portfolio holder for the environment, said: ‘"This is a hugely exciting project for the countryside team and East Devon as a whole. Water voles are an iconic feature of British wildlife and I am delighted that the wetlands will be providing habitat for over 150 water voles. I am optimistic that the ongoing management of the site will provide suitable conditions for their numbers to thrive.’’

James Chubb, countryside team leader (Sites), said: "Children and adults across Britain have fond memories of Ratty, the water vole from Wind and the Willows, and it is tragic that water vole numbers are in decline nationally. Water voles are a quintessential part of the river ecosystem. Their burrowing, feeding and movement help improve conditions for other riparian wildlife to thrive such as dragonflies and demoiselles.

"The countryside team is delighted to have secured partnership funding with the Axe Vale & District Conservation Society to restore their population along the River Axe. We hope that ongoing habitat management on the wetlands and more widely, will enable water voles to thrive, providing visitors with increased opportunities to see ‘real-kife Ratty’s’!’’

 

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