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Where's Ratty?
Location: Cumbria
 The water vole is arguably Cumbria’s most endangered animal, due to habitat loss and predation by mink. Surveys in the 1990s suggested that it was extinct in Cumbria but small remnant populations have since been found.
The group wishes to target the River Eden as a special site for water vole recovery. The project will raise awareness of the ecology and natural history of the water vole and the conservation issues relating to their habitats. A simple reporting system will target local groups to ‘Spot the Plop’ – the distinctive sound water voles make as they drop into the water, in order to get a better idea of current distribution. In addition, there will be a second tier of distribution validation using a trained field surveyor who will train community volunteers to carry out surveys.
 The project will involve children in a programme of activities, involve families through public events and involve a range of adult audiences through public talks, media coverage and electronic and print publications, including a web site and leaflets. Public awareness of the plight of the water vole in Cumbria will enable the community to take action to reverse its decline and safeguard its future.
Group Name |
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Eden Rivers Trust |
| Project Contact |
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Ruth Dalton |
| Address |
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Eden Rivers Trust |
| Project Postcode |
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CA16 6XF |
| Finishing Date |
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31st Oct 07 |
| See also |
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Eden Rivers Trust website |
| Local Community Involvement / Partnerships: |
The Cumbria Water Vole Project is a partnership project between Eden Rivers Trust and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. To contact the project, telephone 01539 816300 or e-mail us by clicking here
To report water vole sightings, find out what signs to look for when searching for voles, or to check out our interactive map, take a look at the project website here |
| Grants: |
Heritage Lottery Fund: £24349
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