Water Voles have witnessed one of the most dramatic population crashes of any mammal
species in Wales. It is likely that if we do not act to save the Water Vole, then this once common
neighbour of ours is facing almost certain extinction from these shores. Upland habitats such
as bogs, mires and moorland offer a unique opportunity for Water Vole conservation in Wales.
Although upland habitats are often sub-optimal in quality, their relative safety from American
Mink, coupled with their extent and connectivity, make these regions of Wales crucial in the
fight to save Water Voles from extinction. In our project area of the Glamorgan uplands the
Wild Cymru team, along with local volunteers and students have been able to survey over 70
sites for Water Voles and recorded their presence in 26 of them. This level of positive sites
scattered over such a large area means that the Glamorgan uplands are now considered one
of the most significant landscapes for Water Voles in Wales. Despite the good news, the project
has also found that Water Voles face a barrage of new and existing threats whilst in these
upland landscapes, most notably the increasing presence and occupation of American Mink.
Community conservation is key to saving Water Voles in the Glamorgan uplands and across
the uplands of Wales.
