A long road to recovery.

In 1997/98, the Environment Agency commissioned Suffolk Wildlife Trust to undertake a county-wide survey of water voles; the results of which revealed water vole populations were in serious trouble. Repeat surveys in the 2000s confirmed a steep decline, largely driven by the spread of non-native American mink; an aggressive predators that water voles have no natural defence against. In response, a coordinated mink control programme began, involving a network of environmental charities, volunteers, landowners and community groups across Suffolk.

By 2018, further repeat surveys rivers found water vole numbers were returning to their 1997/98 levels; a hopeful sign that mink control was making a difference. However nationally, the picture was worse. Between 2006 and 2015, water vole populations fell by 30%, with ongoing declines linked to habitat loss, habitat fragmentation, and river pollution – as well as mink predation.

A new approach.

In 2021, the Waterlife Recovery East project launched a roll-out of “smart” mink rafts across the region. These rafts were a much more efficient solution to humanely trapping mink, allowing volunteers to monitor traps via text alerts, enabling faster response times and wider coverage. Over just four years, this new approach led to a dramatic drop in mink numbers — and in 2023, only one mink was caught across Norfolk and Suffolk. Mink are now considered by the Waterlife Recovery Trust as “functionally eradicated” in our region.

What now for water voles?

Although no new county-wide water vole survey has been conducted in Suffolk since 2021, the steep decline in mink gives us real hope at saving water voles; but we need new data to confirm whether water vole populations are truly bouncing back.

That’s where local people come in. Suffolk Wildlife Trust is working with People’s Trust for Endangered Species, National Water Vole Survey – along with our neighbours at Essex Wildlife Trust and Norfolk Wildlife Trust – to conduct surveys and to support local people to take part in surveys or submit records; to help build a clearer picture of how water voles are doing.

Our Wilder Rivers Adviser – Alice Wickman – is running two Water Vole Field Skills training sessions to support communities to take part in the water vole surveying; a great way to learn new skills and contribute to vital conservation work.

Water Vole Field Skills - Wed 14 May

Water Vole Field Skills - Saturday 17th May

Other ways you can help water voles.

Volunteer

You could become a volunteer water vole surveyor with our Conservation or Ecology teams, or take part in the National Water Vole Monitoring Programme run by PTES (People's Trust for Endangered Species).

Donate

A donation to Suffolk Wildlife will support our work protecting wildlife such as water voles, restoring their habitat, and funding our work defending nature. Make a donation today, or become a member to set-up a monthly donation.

Record

If you see water vole, or spot signs of a water vole active in a river, please submit your record to SBIS (Suffolk Biodiversity Information Service).

Tread carefully

Around rivers and streams, make sure to follow the Countryside Code to avoid disturbing water voles or damaging their habitat.

Conserve water

Water voles need water. By minimising your use of water - and avoiding wasting water - you can help to keep natural habitats wet and water-vole friendly.