Survey volunteers wanted
4 June 2009
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust are looking for volunteers to join an existing team of water vole surveyors, to carry out surveys over the summer in the North East of Hampshire, as part of the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area project.
Water voles used to be a common sight on many of our streams and rivers. However, in the last 20 years there has been a 90% decline in numbers, making the water vole the fastest declining mammal in Europe. Their decline is due to a number of factors including habitat loss and predation by non-native American Mink. Occasional sightings mean that we knew that there were water voles still present in the Loddon area. However, the exact status of water voles in the area was not known because much of the information was out of date and many areas have not been surveyed.
The surveys will take place throughout June, July and August, and will involve searching river banks for signs of water voles. This will help us build up a picture of the current status of water voles in this area, and provide us with information to help landowners manage their habitats sympathetically.
If you would like more information about the project, please contact Sarah Lynes on 01256 381103 or email sarahl@hwt.org.uk. No experience is necessary as full training will be given. Having your own transport is desirable but reasonable travel expenses can be paid.
Ends
Photo opportunity
Please credit the attached image of a water vole to Chris Bean. This image may only be used in support of this press release. As a charity, the Trust relies on the goodwill of volunteers in creating and maintaining an image library, and your support on this matter is greatly appreciated.
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
Sarah Lynes, Assistant Conservation Officer (North), tel 01256 381103, mob 07919034394, email sarahl@hwt.org.uk
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
Sarah Lynes, Assistant Conservation Officer (North), tel 01256 381103, mob 07919034394, email sarahl@hwt.org.uk, website http://www.loddon-eversley.org.uk/
The surveys are being carried out as part of the Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area project. The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area lies in the north east corner of Hampshire. Ancient woodlands, heathland, river valleys and a patchwork of mixed farmland support a wealth of wonderful wildlife, and provide a remote and rural character in an increasingly busy region. The Loddon and Eversley Heritage Area project aims to work with communities, landowners and managers to involve as many people as possible in a shared vision for:
- A varied landscape rich in wildlife
- A healthy rural economy
- An area that local people can enjoy and where they can learn more about the countryside and its heritage.
The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 27, 000 members, the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at http://www.hwt.org.uk/
