Population in England drops by a fifth in two years

New maps have suggested that water voles, once a common sight in English waterways and canals, could have declined by a fifth in 2011.

Published by the Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts, the maps indicate that water vole populations in the south east and west, the Lake District and parts of the midlands are particularly vulnerable.

It is thought the decline in number is due to a number of factors, including habitat loss, predation by minks and extreme weather conditions.

Good quality habitats are key to the species' survival and reintroduction schemes, mink control programmes and habitat management are helping to provide lifelines.

Paul Wilkinson, head of living landscape at the Wildlife Trusts, said: "This latest information from the National UK Water Vole Database and Mapping Project is a real cause for concern. Not enough is being done to secure this charismatic species’ future.

"In part, the new data reflects a reduced survey effort over the last few years, linked to a reduction in available funding for water vole conservation work. There is clear evidence from some areas, in the south of England for example, that water voles are disappearing fast."

The Environment Agency and Wildlife Trusts are working to find out where water vole populations remain and what can be done to help them expand to larger areas. Strongholds for the species tend to be located in extensive wetland habitats, such as the fens.