Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS)
Do you remember Ratty?
Have you seen ‘Ratty’? Water voles, fondly known as ‘Ratty’ from Wind in the Willows, once thrived in West Cumbria’s rivers and streams -
but sadly they’re now all gone.
Let’s bring Ratty home to West Cumbria
Water voles are a vital part of our natural heritage and a keystone species in our rivers and wetlands — but in West Cumbria, we’ve lost track of them.
As we work to remove invasive mink and restore habitats, we need your stories and sightings to help plan for their return. Maybe you remember seeing water voles as a child? Perhaps your granny told stories of spotting them along the beck? Your memories and local knowledge can help us build a clearer picture of where water voles once lived and thrived, which will help shape our future plans for their return.
If you’ve ever spotted a water vole in West Cumbria, we want to know:
Where you saw them (as specific as possible!)
When you saw them (the year, if you can remember)
What the area was like (river, stream, marshy land, etc.)
What colour the water vole? Black or brown?
Your name & contact details in case we have any follow-up questions
Every story counts, whether it’s from a few years ago to decades ago. Together, we can give Ratty and friends the best chance of a return!
Water vole populations have dropped by 94% in Great Britain and are considered an endangered species
Two major reasons for the water vole’s decline is habitat loss and predation by American Mink
Clearing the way for Ratty’s return
Before we can welcome water voles back to West Cumbria, we need to deal with a major threat: the American mink.
These invasive predators have devastated native wildlife across the UK, and their presence is a key reason water voles have disappeared from our rivers and wetlands. That’s why we’re working hard behind the scenes to eradicate mink from West Cumbria with our Mink Free Rivers campaign — a vital first step in restoring balance to our river ecosystems.
Once we’ve succeeded, we’ll be ready to move forward with water vole reintroduction.
Find out more about the mink campaign here: Mink Free Rivers — West Cumbria Rivers Trust
Share your water vole stories with us via the form below and help us fill our Memory Wall.
Send your memories today!
Share your Water Vole Memories
If you’ve got memories of Water Voles to share, please let us know! Upload any photos you took and we might feature them on our social accounts or website.
Feedback and Image Consent
By submitting this form, you agree to West Cumbria Rivers Trust using your feedback and images for promotional purposes, including on our website, social media, and other materials. Comments may be edited for clarity and length, and images will only be shared with your consent. Personal data will be processed in line with our Privacy Policy.
If you have any questions or wish to withdraw your consent, please contact us at info@westcumbriariverstrust.org
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