VOLUNTEERS helped out in a survey in Warrington to help protect the water vole – perhaps better known as “Ratty” from The Wind in the Willows.
Warrington Nature Conservation Forum completed a 50 square kilometre water vole habitat survey at Sankey Valley Park.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s Andrea Powell, a water vole project officer, trained the volunteers on the day.
The water vole has disappeared from more than 90 per cent of formerly occupied sites during the last 100 years – making it Britain’s fastest declining mammal.
Invasive plants like Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam have contributed to the tiny animal’s decline but a range of sites were scored and recorded and the results will help with a conservation programme in Warrington.
It is hoped targeted habitat improvement works will enhance current water vole populations in the area.
1 Comment
Thanks for the mention. As soon as Andrea publishes the results I’ll let you know more.