Cheshire Wildlife Trust has unveiled a new information point to celebrate one of Nantwich’s rarest wildlife residents.
A specially-commissioned oak display gives visitors along the Shropshire Union Canal an insight into the life of the water vole.
The display, developed in partnership with the Canal & River Trust and funded by Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), was put together after the trust discovered a healthy colony of the mammals just north of Nantwich Marina.
The water vole – made famous as the mis-named ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows – has seen a dramatic decline in numbers in recent years.
But they cling on in a few areas across Cheshire, including parts of the Shropshire Union Canal and the River Weaver in Nantwich.
It’s thought parts of Britain’s canal network have become a stronghold for the voles due to the consistent water levels and relatively undisturbed nature of the waterways following the end of the industrial revolution.
Elsewhere, water voles have struggled with the loss of soft vegetation along riversides and from predation by the much larger American mink.
They have also been hit by extreme weather events causing sudden rises in river levels which flood out their tunnel networks.
But the Shropshire Union Canal remains a good place to spot one of the elusive creatures as they swim alongside narrowboats, swans and ducks.
Dr Vicky Nall, Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s water vole officer, said: “Once we were sure we had a good population of water voles, we were keen to share it with those who visit the canal and make a home here.
“Many people who live alongside the water voles have also shared their own stories and experiences of ‘Ratty’ with us when they have seen us surveying on the towpath.
“The Wildlife Trust and waterways managers the Canal & River Trust are working toward a more positive future for water voles, and we hope everyone will want to learn a little more about these amazing creatures when they visit the area, and perhaps even see one for themselves.”
Stuart Moodie, of Canal & River Trust, added: “Catching a glimpse of a water vole doggy-paddling across the canal is one of the real delights of enjoying our waterways.
“We’re delighted to be working with the Wildlife Trust to understand more about them here in Nantwich.”
The new information point is on the canal towpath at the Nantwich Marina picnic area, close to the large horse sculpture.
Water voles are often spotted along the canal in the quieter area just north of the display and away from the most regular moorings.
Find out more about Cheshire Wildlife Trust’s water vole project and view a short film of water vole life along the Shropshire Union Canal at www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk
(pic above l to r: Neville Preece and Roger Birch, of Canal & River Trust, and Dr Vicky Nall, Cheshire Wildlife Trust)
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