4 April 2008…………...For Immediate Release

WIND IN THE WILLOWS FOR REAL [2
WATER VOLE SURVEYING WORKSHOP
Starting at 11.00 am on Wednesday 16 April 2008 at Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, near Coventry

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust would like to invite you to join them in this one-day workshop aimed at the non-professional who is interested in helping us to survey water voles for local projects in Warwickshire.  The workshop will involve an outdoor session to teach surveyors how to find and recognise field signs of water voles, rats and field voles so make sure you bring along outdoor gear.

COST:       £6.50 per person.    Places are confirmed on receipt of payment.   

Refreshments will be provided.

To reserve your place please contact Louise Sutherland on 024 7630 8995.

When Kenneth Grahame wrote Wind in the Willows, water voles [the character Ratty in the story] in Britain were plentiful, but their wetland habitats are now much reduced as a result of intensified agricultural practices, land drainage and the creation of iron and concrete river banks.

The water vole has also been driven out by an alien invader, the American mink, many of which escaped from fur farms.  As long ago as 2005, the water vole was a strong contender for the title of ‘UK’s most rapidly declining mammal’.

However, all is not doom and gloom. Considerable efforts are being made to establish the distribution of water voles here in Warwickshire, to highlight the threats to the populations we have and, in the first instance, to halt their decline. However, Warwickshire is a big county, so we need as much help as possible to carry out this project – hence this introductory workshop.

Louise Sutherland , Wetland Project Officer for Warwickshire Wildlife Trust said, “The Wind in the Willows is one of the all-time favourite children’s books of all time and maybe Ratty was your favourite character.  Sadly, however, the current generation of children is unlikely to see Ratty for themselves as the water vole is now an endangered species, desperately in need of help – which is where you come in.  In the first instance we need trained surveyors to record the level and health of the local water vole populations, which is precisely why we are running this work shop. Your contribution is absolutely vital if Ratty is going to be a reality for the next generation of children.”

ENDS

Press Contact:              Louise Sutherland on 024 7630 8995.

  Last updated 04 April, 2008