Helping water voles on your land
PTES has produced a free guide on simple changes to management practices which can enhance habitat for water voles.
You can either download a copy of the guide here or contact watervoles@ptes.org to request a copy.
Our guide highlights management actions that are water vole friendly, including:
- Livestock management beside water courses
- Buffer strips
- Sympathetic watercourse and ditch management
- Restoring, recreating and managing wetland habitats
It also describes the benefits of these actions to water voles, as well as other native wildlife – from amphibians to invertebrates. Control of non-native American mink is also covered, in addition to details about agri-environmental schemes.
The guide has been endorsed by the UK Water Vole Steering group, which includes representatives of the following organisations: Environment Agency, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and The Wildlife Trusts.
Agri-environmental schemes
Agri-environment schemes provide funding to farmers and land managers to protect and enhance the environment on their land.
Each of the devolved nations has its own programme of agri-environment schemes. These are currently:
England – Countryside Stewardship Scheme.
Wales – Glastir.
Scotland – Agri-Environment Climate Scheme.
Click here for further details about current water vole friendly agri-environment schemes.