Suffering from a combination of threats, from polluted waterways and insufficient suitable habitat, to mink predation and changes in land use, water voles face a serious struggle and nationally are classified as in need of protection. Along with our partners, we are working to revive water vole populations across the county. HMWT is leading the delivery of Hertfordshire's Water Vole Species Action Plan (part of the County's Biodiversity Action Plan and contributing to the national drive to protect them).

The £399k secured from the Heritage Lottery Fund for our 'Wetlands for Water Voles and People' project is a three year project and will enable us to:

Build on the experience we have already gained in mink control, and providing advice on water vole and wetland conservation to land managers and conservation groups.

Focus on five sites across the county where we can create opportunities for people to get closer to this wonderful little mammal.

Develop educational and promotional programmes for water vole and wetland conservation.

The five demonstration Nature Reserves that have been selected are: Frogmore Meadow Cassiobury Park Purwell Ninesprings Tewinbury Silvermeade (within the Lee Valley Regional Park) These sites have the potential to demonstrate best practice in habitat management for water vole conservation. As well as the proposed habitat works planned for each site, we will be improving the accessibility of each site as well as organising volunteer work parties, surveyor training, community group awareness and individual training events.

At the three 'wetland havens' located close to towns (Purwell, Cassiobury Park and Silvermeade), we will be developing better visitor facilities and opportunities. These will include outreach arts projects, site based interpretation, discovery trails and events.

The total project cost for this exciting new 'chapter' is £586k which includes the creation of three new posts.

• Alison Washbrook - Project Manager
• Alison Hauser - Wetland Awareness Officer (increasing community awareness, and access to water vole and wetland conservation).
• Martin Ketcher - Seasonal Wildlife Surveyor (working with volunteers over the summer to gain an accurate record of water vole distribution throughout Hertfordshire).

This grant also helps to increase our knowledge and to reach out to more people - including school children and young people.

We're also interested in hearing of any sightings and signs of water voles and mink that you may have seen across the county to add to our picture of what is happening in Hertfordshire. With this boost from HLF and the help of staff, volunteers and friends we're hoping we'll soon be seeing a lot more of our friend 'Ratty' on our nature reserves, local waterways and rivers!

Water vole survey form

To find our more about our Water vole project click here