Water voles look cute and furry, but they are unfortunately notoriously hard to see - especially on an island the size of Wallasea. Surveys suggest there may be a population of at least 70 breeding females hiding in the creeks and ditches, all of which must be looked after as much as any rare bird.
Water voles (see photo) are a key protected species for The Wallasea Wild Coast Project. The new intertidal habitats we are creating will not be suitable for the small numbers of water voles that currently use the area. We have created some new habitat ahead of the loss (see photo) for them to migrate to.
A recent survey of the new water vole habitat has shown that it is developing well and should be ready to support the voles when required. It is a difficult balance to strike, create the habitat too late and it not be ready, create it too early and it will be colonised to capacity before we need it.
Chris Tyas
Wallasea Island Project Manager
I've gone wild on Wallasea!