Arun’s water vole population face ‘extinction’

Sussex Wildlife Trust believes there is still a very real threat to water voles dwindling into oblivion and says there is a chance that they could become extinct in Sussex in our lifetime.

Research by the Environment Agency and The Wildlife Trusts has revealed some national strongholds, but in Sussex, water voles remain vulnerable to further decline due to long-term habitat loss, mink predation and extreme weather events, including last year’s spring drought.

Fran Southgate, the Sussex Wildlife Trust wetland officer is calling for action. She said: “Concerted conservation efforts over the past ten years have prevented them from disappearing completely. However, despite the fragility of local populations, they have somewhat fallen off the radar as a species in need of funding and government support at both a local and national level.

“There are some fantastic initiatives in Sussex which are dedicated to preventing these enigmatic creatures from disappearing but there is no room for complacency.”

She is calling on the public to help in supporting the creatures, some of which reside in the wetlands around the River Arun, near Arundel.

To find out how to assist, click here.