Water Vole Field Skills Training Session

Water vole - Terry Longley/2020Vision

Water vole - Terry Longley/2020Vision

Water Vole Field Skills Training Session

Location:
Book
Come learn how to identify and monitor water voles in their natural habitat at our hands-on field skills training session at the beautiful Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve.

Event details

Meeting point

Meet outside the Carlton Marshes Café.

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Date

Time
2:00pm - 4:30pm
A static map of Water Vole Field Skills Training Session

About the event

This in-person event is a session for members of the public 18+ who are interested in learning more about water vole ecology and field signs.

This will be a short session in the field to learn how to identify water vole field signs. If you sign up, you will also be sent a link to an online video introduction to water vole ecology to watch before the field session.

The Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk Wildlife Trusts are teaming up on a collaborative project to help tell the story of the endangered water vole in the Eastern Region off the back of the successful mink eradication project in East Anglia. The North American mink is an invasive non-native species that threatens native water vole populations. Mink numbers have fallen dramatically in Suffolk since the start of the eradication project in 2021, but we do not have enough information to determine the impact this is having on water vole populations.

This training will help upskill and encourage members of the public to look out for water vole in their local area, so they can possibly submit one of sightings and or/ take part in The National Water Vole Monitoring programme. This will allow us build more of a picture about how water vole are doing in Suffolk and help tell their story.

No charge, but booking essential, places limited.

Booking

Price

Free, booking essential.

Suitable for

Adults, Beginners

Know before you go

Dogs

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On a lead

A Public Space Protection Order on the reserve requires dogs to be kept on a lead at all times. This is to protect the wildlife and delicate habitats of the reserve.

Why must dogs be kept on a lead?

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Mobility

Water vole surveys will involve walking on rough, damp ground and looking amongst low-lying vegetation for field signs. You will need to be reasonably fit to take part.

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What to bring

Suitable outdoor clothing.

Waterproof shoes/ welly boots.

A notebook and pen.

Binoculars if you have them (not essential).

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Parking information

Large car park next to centre.
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Bicycle parking

Yes.
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Facilities

Toilets
Shop
Cafe/refreshments
Picnic area
Accessible toilet
Baby changing facilities
Electric car charging point
Disabled parking
Accessible trails

Contact us

Alice Wickman