The distinctive ‘plop’ of the water vole diving for cover used to be a familiar sound when strolling alongside a stream or river. In recent decades this endearing mammal has undergone a catastrophic decline nationally, due to habitat degradation and predation by American mink.

In north east Durham there has been a 93% decline in the last 20 years. Perhaps surprisingly, the remaining populations in this areas are concentration in urban areas. The project aims to identity the location of these populations, to ensure their habitat is protected and educate local landowners and the general public about this species which is in real danger of becoming lost to the country. Waterside habitat linkages, such as allowing bankside vegetation to flourish, are to be created so that the population decline can be reversed.

The remaining water vole populations have now been identified, more than 7,000 leaflets about their conservation have been distributed, and training and advice is being given to obtain grants for habitat improvements. Volunteers from business adjacent to watercourses, fishing groups, farmers and interested members of the public are training to monitor water volves and improve their habitats.

The water vole is on its way to being rescued from the brink of extinction, in this part of the country at least.