Water Voles are one of the fastest declining mammals in Britain and in many areas their numbers have dropped by over 90% in the past 30 years. The main reasons for decline are loss of and changes to their habitat and predation by American Mink.
Fortunately, the lack of Mink on the Isle of Wight has helped to protect Island Water voles from the worst of these declines and we are now a potential UK stronghold for this species. Yet, we know from repeated surveys that Island Water vole populations are still fragile and susceptible to loss from habitat degradation and fragmentation.
They have recently been lost from parts of the Island. In 2020 many of the Island’s watercourses were surveyed and most (but not all) of Wroxall Stream was found to be a stronghold .
What we are doing
We have been talking to land owners on Wroxall Stream about how we can improve habitat for water voles. We have also been clearing scrub and Himalayan balsam to encourage growth of the native herby vegetation that water voles like.
What you can do
If you live near Wroxall Stream or one of the tributary water courses and have a cat, please make it wear a bell. Cats can be killers!
If you you are a landowner with Wroxall Stream or its tributaries passing through you can download our information sheet and contact us and we will be happy to visit.
If you do not live on Wroxall Stream but are interested in the project
You are still welcome to download our landowner’s information sheet and we would like to hear from you.
And yes, that is a Pringle can. They happen to be the right size for carrying water voles and this little fella was part of a reintroduction programme in Hampshire.