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Water voles have been reintroduced to a river in Shropshire following investment from Severn Trent.
The Rea Brook has become home to more than 100 water voles after a project by the Environment Agency to settle the creatures that have been in decline since the 1960s in the UK.
Severn Rivers Trust secured the funds from Severn Trent for the reintroduction by the EA, which gained permission from a farmer to use the land and worked with a vole specialist.
The EA and Department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) this week released a bleak report on the health of waterways in England that showed no improvement in the past three years and more chemical pollutants than previously recorded.
Water vole populations have declined because of habitat loss, pollution and the introduction of American mink in the 1980s.
The creatures encourage biodiversity by carving out riverbanks to create small meanders and bare banks for birds such as sand martins and kingfishers. Their burrows are used by small mammals, reptiles and amphibians.
Biodiversity officer at the EA, Caroline Savage, said: “We’re extremely grateful to the farmer for allowing us to introduce the water voles on his land, and to Severn Trent and the Severn Rivers Trust for their support. The re-introduction of water voles on the farm will not only bring back a once endangered species, but also help to regenerate other wildlife species in the area.”
More voles are due to be released in the spring.
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