A new wildlife survey has uncovered previously unknown populations of water voles in the Peak District and South Pennines, marking a significant step forward for conservation efforts. The announcement, made by Yorkshire Water at the start of National Mammal Week (April 20-26), suggests that the endangered species may be more widespread in the region than previously believed.
Water voles, once common across the UK, have experienced a decline of more than 90% due to habitat loss and predation by the invasive American mink. Recent surveys conducted by Yorkshire Water, Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, River Holme Connections, and university researchers found evidence of water voles across multiple upland streams.
Sean Davey, lead ecologist at Yorkshire Water, said: “We knew there were still water voles at one of our South Yorkshire reservoirs, but the recent surveys have found them in many more streams in the moorland catchments of the River Don and Holme. We are continuing surveys across Yorkshire to understand exactly where water vole populations persist. We’ll also be working closely with partners studying upland vole populations to understand more about their ecology - and crucially, how targeted measures like habitat enhancement, invasive predator control and captive breeding can support species’ recovery.”
Conservation work is already underway to improve conditions for the animals. This includes creating new pools and slowing water flow in upland streams to provide more suitable habitats.
Luke Nelson, species officer at Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust, said: “As well as recording new water vole sites in the uplands, we’ve been improving habitats by creating new pools and slowing the flow of water on upland streams. Surveys have shown that the water voles are quickly colonising these new habitats, hopefully leading to more resilient and better-connected populations.”
Efforts are also being made to tackle the threat posed by mink. Yorkshire Water is working with the Waterlife Recovery Trust, which aims to remove the invasive predators from the countryside. The charity has already eradicated mink from several counties and is now expanding its work into parts of Yorkshire, with a goal of eliminating the species from the region within five years. Conservationists say reducing mink numbers will be key to allowing water vole populations to recover and re-establish across their former habitats.
