Wichelstowe supports a variety of internationally and nationally protected species, including Badger, bats, breeding birds, Great Crested Newts, reptiles and Water Vole. A programme of regular surveys is carried out and we have just received the results of the 2024 Water Vole survey.
In 2015 the survey only estimated a water vole population of 63 but the 2024 survey has seen this climb to an estimated population of between 789 and 847 individuals.
If you are lucky you may well spot Water Voles in the canal, perhaps keep a close look out whilst enjoying a coffee at Hall and Woodhouse (which is when we last saw one!)
There are a few reasons for the increase in population, the most important being the increase in habitats created by the extension of the canal. The Water Voles have returned following the restoration works and we expect them to move into the new sections of canal pretty quickly. It is a good sign that all the measures we are taking to support this protected species are working. These include keeping a fringe of vegetation along at least one and ideally both banks of the canal wherever possible. The design of these banks include a specific water vole friendly mix of plants agreed with our ecologist providing good food sources. The maintenance of this bankside habitat is also the reason that you won’t see the banks of the canal cut every year. We have a rota so that only a third of the bank is cut each year in order to simulate a rich grassland providing plenty of food and cover for Water Voles
Water Voles populations also remain healthy in the watercourses at Wichelstowe including the River Ray and Elcombe Brook. Fluctuations in weather patterns do see population numbers rise and fall naturally but it has obviously been good conditions over the past few years.
