Once widespread across South Wales, Water Voles are now effectively extinct in all but a few locations in the Glamorgan uplands. A native species, Water Voles help control the growth of aquatic plants, which is turn cultivates biodiversity. Sadly, by the early 2000s their populations had decreased significantly, largely fuelled by 3 primary factors: predation by American Mink, loss of riparian habitat, and changes in land management. Conservation of this precious native species is vital.
The recovery of Water Voles relies not only on securing remaining strongholds, but also re-introducing Water Voles from captive bred populations as well. Previous successful reintroductions in Wales demonstrate the importance of addressing all three factors which influenced their decline. Monitoring shows that these reintroductions have been successful, demonstrated by increased habitat connectivity of the Water Voles. To secure the long-term resilience of this species, there is a need to build on the work and establish a robust landscape network to allow for further expansion.
The Lower Kenson Valley, lying largely within the Fonmon estate, is the ideal location to reintroduce Water Voles. WTSWW have the support of the estate owner and tenant farmer, and look forward to working with them to improve the habitats which their land is home to.
WTSWW’s Chief Executive Officer, Sarah Kessell said: “With plans for habitat restoration and Water Vole reintroduction taking shape in the Lower Kenson Valley, we were very fortunate that National Grid approached us at just the right time, looking for opportunities for offsite biodiversity net gain to offset work associated with the decommissioning of Aberthaw power station. This opportunity will fund practical habitat creation and biodiversity enhancements that will lay a crucial foundation for the reintroduction of Water Voles in South and West Wales”.
National Grid are committed to delivering at least 10% environmental net gain on their construction sites. However, their construction project at Aberthaw power station has limited potential for environmental improvements, so an offsite arrangement has been initiated with WTSWW at the nearby Lower Kenson Valley.
Local partnerships are a brilliant way for construction projects deliver biodiversity enhancements in local areas, with strategic partners that align with ecological strategies. Chris Plester, Sustainability Specialist at the National Grid said, “Working together to ensure that investment in Nature is focused in the right place to provide the greatest benefit to wildlife and people is core to our approach, and this project is a great example of this in practice”
WTSWW and National Grid will monitor the success and ongoing impact of the work over the next 10 years by working with the landowner to survey and evaluate the current landscape. This will make it possible to measure the improvements and demonstrate how they will benefit the water voles, as well as other local wildlife, such as amphibians, birds, and reptiles.