Sustainable Warminster Column: Wonderful water voles at Grovelands

Over the summer, Sustainable Warminster and representatives from Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Volunteers met to discuss water-related projects for Warminster.

A guest contributor from the group shared exciting updates on one of Warminster’s most treasured species – the water vole.

Grovelands Countryside and Wildlife Volunteers manage Warminster’s Grovelands Nature Area for Wiltshire Council. We have recorded over 400 species of flora and fauna on site, with one of the most significant being the nationally rare, threatened, and legally protected water vole. Water voles are secretive animals and difficult to spot; you usually only hear a ‘plop’ as they dive into the water.

Over the last 12 months, water vole experts Dr Merryl Gelling and Dr Tom Moorhouse surveyed for water voles and created a management plan for the watercourses. During their visit, they found three stretches of the River Were that contained evidence of water voles, confirming our own sightings. Thank you to Wessex Water Foundation – Environment Fund, whose grant financed this project.

Local residents have been aware of the water voles since the Grovelands estate was built more than 30 years ago. However, the population is small and isolated and securing their future existence is a high priority. Volunteers are implementing the management plan recommendations to enhance the habitat by clearing vegetation to allow more light to reach the water and opening up new stretches for water voles to colonise.

Follow Grovelands Flora and Fauna on Facebook for photos and information about upcoming volunteer opportunities. Please consider volunteering.

By Carolyn Granville, Secretary, Grovelands Countryside & Wildlife Volunteers