Drawbridge

Last autumn I dug a moat around the Water Vole feeding table to prevent access to it by predatory mammals such as Weasel, even in dry spells. This was in response to the Voles disappearing after a Weasel was seen in the cage. At the time, I was very much aware that when the water came back, which it has, and Water Voles returned, which they have, I was going to have a bit of a job getting food onto the table. Waders would be needed, which is a bit cumbersome when I need to get around other parts of the reserve to open up each morning. Having had some time to think about it, I decided what was needed was a drawbridge. This is a simple bridge which is hinged at one end, and can be lifted up and over to get to the feeding table. We've just installed it, and it makes feeding Water Voles even more fun. I also suspect that the Water Vole will use it as a latrine, as they love to leave little presents on bits of timber in the water. Now I know what you're all thinking, and no you can't play with the drawbridge. You could however, if you were a reserve volunteer. Go on, you know you want to.