Endangered water voles reintroduced at Woolacombe after major restoration project

Once widespread across the UK, water voles have declined sharply due to habitat loss, water pollution and the arrival of the American Mink. Since 2022, extensive work across the Combesgate catchment has restored habitats and natural processes to local waterways, creating the right conditions for their return. Their burrows create flowering habitats which support bugs, butterflies and other riverside species.

This work has included creating 20 ponds and scrapes, removing land drains, planting 26,000 trees and sowing 15 hectares of wildflower seed. Natural flood management measures and rewetting have also been introduced along 1,700 metres of watercourse, alongside conservation grazing to support biodiversity.

This work forms part of a wider programme across North Devon to restore a more natural, wetter landscape that is better able to cope with the impacts of climate change. Together, these changes are helping to reconnect habitats, slow the flow of water through the landscape and create the conditions for wildlife to recover.

This large-scale restoration has made the landscape suitable once again for species previously lost from the area, including water voles.

Paul South, Project Manager, said: ‘This is an important moment for nature in North Devon. The return of water voles shows that, with the right conditions, wildlife can recover. This project has taken years of work, and it’s rewarding to see these animals back where they belong.’

Hannah Ford, National Trust Fundraising Manager said: ’We would love supporters to a part in this vital restoration effort by donating to the Adopt a Plot initiative in North Devon. The project will help restore habitat, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife and plant species. From planting trees to reintroducing native species such as pine martens, red squirrels and water voles, every contribution will help rebuild a thriving natural environment.’

Under its ten-year strategy, the National Trust is aiming to work in partnership with environmental organisations, farmers, landowners and local communities to create 250,000 hectares of nature-rich landscapes, an area one-and-a-half times the size of Greater London. This will be the biggest contribution to addressing the catastrophic decline in nature the Trust has made in its history.

The reintroduction has been carefully managed with Derek Gow Consultancy, whose expertise has helped deliver a carefully planned programme to give the animals the best chance of survival. Voles are initially placed into protective pens on site, where they are monitored and cared for before gradually dispersing into the surrounding habitat. Rather than a single visible moment, the animals leave the pens in their own time, helping to reduce stress and support a successful return.

Trail cameras have been set up to capture the water voles as they begin to explore their new environment, offering a first glimpse of their return to the North Devon landscape.

This project has been delivered in partnership with North Devon Coast National Landscape with funding support from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL).