To increase biodiversity, water voles have been released into a recently developed wetland close to Bristol.
The Hallen site in south Gloucestershire is a component of a sizable project to improve flood defenses along the Severn Estuary. .
The Avonmouth Severnside Enterprise Area (ASEA) now includes a wetland that spans 80 hectares.
Even though water voles are one of the UK's most endangered species, they are an essential component of river ecosystems.
Various other animals and plants can flourish thanks to their burrowing and feeding, according to experts.
According to the Wildlife Trusts, habitat loss and pollution have caused them to vanish from roughly 90% of the areas where they were once common.
American mink, an invasive species that was originally imported to the UK for fur farming, preys heavily on the creatures as well.
Conservationists made sure there were no predators in the area before the 12 water voles moved into their new home in April.
To avoid any competition with the newcomers, the team also searched ditches for resident water voles.
To give them time to adjust to their surroundings, all new arrivals were placed in pens with straw and food on the first day.
The pen was opened on the second day, and the entrance was blocked with reeds to prevent the voles from entering and exiting.
In the upcoming months, there will be follow-up surveys to evaluate their development.
Together with Bristol City Council, South Gloucestershire Council, and the Environment Agency, the ASEA project is being developed.
2,500 homes are being protected from rising sea levels by concrete walls and flood gates in addition to the new wetlands.
"I'm pleased we can play a part in aiding [the water vole population's] growth," said Councillor Kye Dudd, cabinet member for climate, ecology, waste, and energy at the city council.
"We're committed to improving our natural environment and giving projects like this one a huge boost in the natural world. ".
As the cabinet member for climate and nature emergency in South Gloucestershire, Councillor Louise Harris stated: "We want to protect and enhance nature through our work on climate and nature emergency, and as part of this ecology mitigation and flood defense project, we are ensuring that a thriving environment will be established for people and wildlife.
. "
