Water voles are thriving once again at Moors Valley after a successful re-introduction programme by the Countryside Rangers.

Their success is particularly rewarding as it comes at a time when conservationists nationally are reporting a 20% decline in the overall population.

The extensive water vole reintroduction programme started in 2011, which was followed in 2012 by a further release. In all over 300 water voles found a new home in East Dorset and regular sightings along the extensive river system indicate that the reintroduction was a huge success.

Moors Valley was the first country park in the south to take this initiative and we believe our hard work has really paid off for our water vole families. The project has also united the local landowners who have worked with us to provide suitable habitats and continue to monitor a wide surrounding area for mink activity to ensure our voles are not eaten by this aggressive, non-native predator.

Good habitat management is crucial to the success of a programme of this nature. The river system in the Park is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Natural England, which inspects SSSIs, has put it in its top-rating category. Its careful management is a testament to the work of the Ranger team that not only ensures the success of the Park’s wildlife but also plays host to over 800,000 visitors each year at what is now the third most visited county park in England.

We have had many sightings of water voles near their release area over the last two years. Now we are interested in finding out how far they have moved along the river system. We ask anyone visiting Moors Valley or strolling by the Moors River to keep their eyes open – and listen out for the distinctive ‘plop’ of the vole when it enters the water – and report any sightings to the Visitor Centre. We log all confirmed sightings and they will help us to ensure the future of the water vole in East Dorset.

Image by Brian Chard.