Water voles settle into new home in near Bristol

Water voles are currently establishing their burrows in the newly created wetland at Hallen near Bristol.

 

This wetland, with its ditches and vegetation, provides a perfect habitat for these endangered brown mammals. The wetland is part of a larger project called the Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) Ecology Mitigation and Flood Defence Project, which aims to create over 80 hectares of new wetland habitats.

 

Coastal wetlands are incredibly valuable natural habitats nationally, but they are facing threats due to rising sea levels caused by the climate emergency. The Severn Estuary is home to various internationally significant bird species, and the creation of this new wetland habitat will contribute to the overall thriving of wildlife in the area. Additionally, hundreds of native trees will be planted as part of this project to enhance the environment for future generations.

 

Water voles play a vital role as environmental engineers by creating habitat through their burrow systems. They are an integral part of ecosystems and contribute significantly to their health and functionality.

 

Councillor Kye Dudd, Bristol City Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology, Waste and Energy, said: “Over the last 40 years the water vole population has dropped by 90 per cent, putting the species at serious risk of extinction. These new homes are a step towards supporting the species away from that risk and I’m pleased we can play a part in helping their population grow. We’re committed to enhancing our natural environment and providing a huge boost to nature and wildlife projects such as this – working across the organisation as part of our Ecological Emergency Action Plan.”

 

Before the water voles were moved to their new home, the team checked that the area was free of American mink (an invasive species), as the water vole population has been severely affected by this species in the UK. They also checked the ditches for existing water voles to avoid any competition between the newcomers and resident animals. Once it was safe to move in, the voles were put in pens with plenty of straw and food so they could get used to their surroundings on the first day. On the second day, the team put out a baffle (a board with a hole in it) on the front of the pen allowing the voles to go in and out.

 

The ASEA project is a partnership between Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and the Environment Agency. A joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott Macdonald (BMMJV) was appointed to carry out the detailed design and construction of the Avonmouth flood defences and wetland area.

 

Councillor Louise Harris, South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate and Nature Emergency, said: “We want to protect and boost nature through our climate and nature emergency work and, as part of this ecology mitigation and flood defence project, we are ensuring that a thriving environment will be established for people and wildlife. We’re optimistic that the water voles will colonise the new wetlands habitat and we’re proud to be helping this endangered species. With a network of ditches on site, the wetlands have real potential to become a stronghold for them.”

 

All the voles have successfully been released and will be given time to settle in before follow-up surveys are carried out. Watch a video of the water voles being released.

 

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