It’s not been long since we shared our ‘Holes in the Map‘ series of blogs, about important species that once lived in the Lake District, that have sadly been destroyed in this part of the country. One such species was the Water Vole.
Once a common sight in our rivers, Water Voles have vanished from the Lake District. But we’re really excited to announce that in a bid to re-establish this small, yet vital part of the ecosystem, environmental organisations and landowners have joined forces to create the habitat conditions needed to bring back this much-loved creature to Cumbria. This week, our hard work has been rewarded as the last of 350 Water Voles were released into their new homes, right here at Haweswater!
Nationally, Water Voles are Britain’s fastest declining mammal. Over the last century they’ve gone from an estimated population of eight million to around 132,000. In that time, they have disappeared from 94% of sites where they once lived, including the Lake District.
What has happened?
This week, 204 Water Voles were released at Haweswater. This followed on from a recent, previous release of 161 at nearby Lowther Estate. It marked the end of the initial phase of the first re-introduction programme to take place in the National Park, since they were virtually wiped out – mainly due to habitat loss, pollution and the devastation caused by the rapid spread of the Water Vole’s nemesis; invasive, non-native American Mink. Defenceless against the Mink, whole colonies were swiftly decimated. These threats had to be addressed before any animals could be reintroduced.
Who was involved?
River conservation charity, Eden Rivers Trust (ERT) was awarded money from the Environment Agency’s Water Environment Improvement Fund (WEIF), The Moorhouse Fund (Cumbria Community Foundation) and Ernest Cook Trust to work with landowners and volunteers to find suitable sites, make necessary improvements to habitats and take steps to control non-native predators ahead of this summer’s re-introduction.
The successful release of the Water Voles is a result of a partnership project between Eden Rivers Trust, The Environment Agency and the Cumbria Connect programme.
As a result of everyone’s efforts, Water Voles are now settling into their new homes on the Lowther Estate and here at Haweswater.
What did those involved say?
To ensure a successful release, all the organisations involved have worked with Water Vole ecology specialists, Derek Gow Consultancy to find suitable sites and supply captive-bred voles that are closer to the genetic make-up of voles that would have once been more widespread in this part of Cumbria.
“The conditions must be right to successfully re-introduce water voles and a wide range of partners have worked closely with us to get to this point. Firstly, Lowther Estates and the RSPB/United Utilities’ commitment to landscape-scale river restoration and habitat improvement projects has created the variety of river and wetland habitats needed for water voles to thrive.
Secondly, control of invasive, non-native American Mink had to be in place as they kill water voles and other native wildlife. Water Voles didn’t co-evolve with American Mink, and so lack strategies to avoid predation. We now have a more effective and efficient way of controlling Mink – working with landowners and the local community so that the Water Voles stand a better chance of survival.
Finally, more funding is now becoming available as nature recovery rises up the agenda of government and nature-friendly farming and land management is adopted.”
– Dave Greaves, Species and Habitat Officer at Eden Rivers Trust explains why now is the right time to reintroduce water voles
“This reintroduction of Water Voles to Cumbria marks a significant step forward in nature restoration of our landscape. Recognised as a keystone species due to their pivotal role, these charming creatures wield significant influence in delicately balanced ecosystems by engineering new habitats and increasing plant diversity along waterways.
“By adopting a landscape-scale approach and with further releases planned across the area, we hope to create a network of interconnected populations across restored floodplains. This will allow the Water Voles to disperse across more dynamic habitats, including alongside Beavers at Lowther, allowing them to thrive.”
– Bill Kenmir, Conservation Manager at Cumbria Connect
“Lowther is very excited to be part of a project that is reintroducing this adorable and much-loved species back to our northern landscape. For the first time in around 400 years, Beavers and Water Voles can begin to live alongside each other in Cumbria.
“Beavers and Water Voles co-exist happily. The more dams created by Beavers, the higher the water table. This in turn gives voles greater access to wider feeding areas. For their part, the voles, alongside their burrows, help the growth of a variety of wetland plant species – species that have previously been out-competed by monoculture. All this helps to create a diversity of soil structures which in turn brings in more diversity.”
“Lowther’s wider plan is to eradicate non-native invasive species and implement nature recovery across the estate. The water vole project is a key part of this strategy.”
– Jim Bliss, Lowther Estate
“We are thrilled to witness the water voles’ return to Haweswater, a testament to 12 years of dedicated landscape recovery in collaboration with our partner, United Utilities. Haweswater’s role in the esteemed Cumbrian River Restoration Programme, earning the European Riverprize 2022, reflects our commitment to reinstating natural river processes. Now, working more widely with our neighbours the Lowther Estate, we have created an environment where we can support the revival of this endangered species, establishing a population that can disperse across the wider landscape, contributing to a resilient ecosystem that benefits both nature and people.”
– David Morris, RSPB Area Manager for Cumbria
“We’re proud to be part of the reintroduction of Water Voles at Haweswater. They will play their part in continuing to improve the biodiversity around the estate and build on the good work that our partnership with RSPB has done.”
– John Gorst, Catchment Partnership Officer for United Utilities
Follow the story
Find out more about the re-introduction of Water Voles to the Lake District here: Eden Rivers Trust
Discover more about the work of the RSPB and United Utilities at Haweswater here: wildhaweswater.co.uk
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– Bailey Lamburn, Communications Manager for Cumbria Connect. Posted 17 August 2023.
