Voles won't survive without help

The population of Water Vole in the Cotswolds is so tiny that a Gloucestershire charity is claiming they "simply won't survive without our help."

According to the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust the picture is bleak and surveys have revealed a decline of 90% across the UK for what is the largest British vole.

They have launched an appeal to save the Cotswold water vole from extinction.

We're particularly worried about the plight of the charismatic and enchanting water vole - and strongly urge everyone to help with this vital campaign in any way you can. Stephen Fry

"We have to act now, there is no time to lose" says Dr. Gordon McGlone OBE, chief executive of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. "If we don't, we could lose the water vole forever."

"We have a three pronged attack: control mink, improve the river habitat and support local people to take the water vole's needs into account when going about their daily lives.

"Our team of people, led by our Water Vole Officer, John Field, are ready to deliver this work and we need to give them the tools they need to do it."

A recent survey undertaken by Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust proved that existing Cotswold populations were completely cut off from one another.

WATER VOLES Often mistaken for a rat Ratty in 'The Wind in the Willows' was actually a water vole Life span: Up to 2 years Body length: 12-20cm Habitat: The banks of ditches, dykes, slow-moving rivers and streams, and grassland Diet: Mainly grasses and other plant material Behaviour: Expert swimmers, but are not particularly specialised for a life in the water Reproduction: Up to five litters from April to September Females give birth to an average of six young after a gestation period of 20-23 days

Support

Dr. Gordon McGlone launched the appeal by writing to 23,000 members of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to tell them the bad news and ask for financial support to save the water vole.

Stephen Fry and Mark Carwardine of BBC TV's series 'Last Chance to See' are keen to stress the importance of Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust's work and lend their names in support of the appeal.

"We've just spent six months travelling the world in search of high profile endangered species, from kakapo to Komodo dragons.

"But it's all too easy to forget that we have endangered species in our own country that need just as much help.

"We're particularly worried about the plight of the charismatic and enchanting water vole - and strongly urge everyone to help with this vital campaign in any way you can."

For more information, visit the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust website.