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British Waterways creates new homes for water voles

5th Mar 2009

British Waterways is recycling the sludge and silt it removes from the upper River Lee Navigation into new riverside residences for water voles.

Throughout February and March 2009 British Waterways is undertaking a programme to clear silted areas of the upper River Lee Navigation. This programme will ensure a clear navigation channel for boaters this Summer as well as having a unique benefit for waterway wildlife.

Rather than dump the sludge-like silt brought out of the river, it will be recycled into a series of new water vole habitats. The new residences will be installed along the banks of the upper River Lee Navigation between Cheshunt and Waltham Town.

"Support the local vole population"

British Waterways’ ecologist, Leela O’Dea explains: "The dredged silt from the Lee Navigation is just the right sort of material that’s needed to create a soft bank, which is the best environment for burrowing animals like the water vole to make a nest in. These new habitats will help support the local vole population and encourage more of these shy little creatures to make the river their home."

Just over a year ago, in February 2008, Government announced full legal protection for water voles, better known as 'Ratty' from Wind in the Willows. The water vole is the UK's fastest declining mammal, with habitat destruction and predators, notably mink (an invasive species), decimating the population over the past thirty years.

By creating new soft banked areas along the riverside, British Waterways is reclaiming land for the voles and returning it to a more natural state for them to thrive in.

"This project is a great way to help voles"

Alison Washbrook, water vole officer, Herts & Middlessex Wildlife Trust, said: "This project is a great way to help the water voles. It’s essential that new habitats are created to ensure the voles have every chance to redress their dwindling numbers. Part of the value of this project is that it will link-up pockets of wetland habitats, making a safe corridor between colonies.

"Water voles are notoriously timid, but there are many methods to survey an area to check for signs that they have moved in. I hope to see them settled into to their recycled homes in the next few months."

Last updated: 05/03/2009