Title of the project
Cheshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan
Description
To contribute towards the Cheshire LBAP (Local Biodiversity Action Plan) objectives for water vole, to establish the current distribution and range of water voles (Arvicola amphibius) in the Cheshire region and to identify potential water vole habitat on BASC members land.
They started to survey the entire River Gowy for voles followed by the establishment of an effective mink (Neovison vison) trapping programme (mink rafts).
A mink/water vole workshop was conducted in Mobberley in the north of the county in order to inform the local residents of the purpose of the water vole/mink project as well as recruit people to help check mink rafts and notify us of any sightings.
Results
A follow-up water vole survey carried out in July 2009 found evidence of water voles returning to the River Gowy in the form of 12 latrines, four burrows and numerous piles of feeding remains. This signifies a strong positive presence with at least two breeding females (approximately six latrines per breeding female)
Location
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Level | Regional |
| Site | The River Gowy which feeds into the Frodsham marshes area and the Mobberley area, Cheshire County |
| Region | Cheshire County |
Starting date
2007
Habitat Types
Scrub/Grassland , Wetland
Species
| Species Caracteristics | Protected species, Invasive Alien species |
| Species Type | Mammals |
| Name(s) of main species | European water vole (Arvicola amphibius) |
Conservation action(s)
Management of habitats and wildlife (e.g. conservation and restoration activities)
Partners
| Leading partners | BASC The British Association for Shooting and Conservation (https://basc.org.uk/) |
| Other partners | Mersey Basin Campaign’s Paul (http://www.merseybasin.org.uk/)Corner and the North West Lowlands Water Vole (http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/watervole)Officer Richard Gardner |
Estimation of the budget (total or annual)
£900 from Chester Zoo’s native species fund to buy the mink raft materials and traps.£5,000 from the Environment Agency to purchase more mink rafts.
Publication(s)
Green Shoots in Cheshire Annual ReportsBen Gregory Cheshire Biodiversity Project Officer2008-2009-2010
Weblinks
https://basc.org.uk/conservation/green-shoots/green-shoots-in-cheshire/