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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
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- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
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- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
- Close
- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
Donate
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- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Key species and habitats // Water voles // Water Vole Releases and Conservation Translocations in Britain: Good Practice Guidance

Water Vole Releases and Conservation Translocations in Britain: Good Practice Guidance

Water vole releases and conservation translocation in Britain - People's Trust for Endangered Species

PTES has published free good practice guidance for anyone planning or carrying out a water vole release in Britain.

You can download a copy of the guidance here.

Download the guidance

Water voles are one of Britain’s fastest-declining mammals. Releases have been taking place since the late 1990s, both to restore lost populations and to boost struggling ones, but until now there has been no official guidance on how and when to carry them out. This guidance draws together the best evidence available, from a review of the literature to data gathered from past releases.

The guidance covers:

When a water vole release is appropriate
Setting aims and objectives
Selecting suitable sites
Sourcing animals, including genetic and disease considerations
Recommended release methods and timing
Monitoring projects for success
Mink control and eradication
Working with landowners, volunteers and local communities
Case studies of projects, giving examples of what worked, and what didn’t

The guidance was written by Dr Merryl Gelling (Spires Ecology) and Mike Dean (MD Ecology) on behalf of PTES and Natural England. It has been endorsed by CIEEM as providing minimum standards and good practice for those carrying out water vole releases in Britain.

Join the launch webinar – Meet the authors, Dr Merryl Gelling and Mike Dean, at a live CIEEM webinar on Tuesday 17 November 2026, from 2pm to 3pm on Zoom. Free for CIEEM members and £10 for non-members. Spaces are limited, so book your place here.