05 Sep 2025
Wild East Devon, Cllr Richard Jefferies, AV&DCS and Derek Gow Consultancy team

The Wild East Devon Countryside team had a truly special day this Wednesday, welcoming over 80 water voles, Arvicola amphibius back to their home at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve.

This marks an exciting new chapter in a conservation journey that began in 2017, when the team first reintroduced this much-loved but elusive species to the wetlands. Recent surveys highlighted the need to give the population a boost, in both numbers and genetics - so this release couldn’t have come at a better time.

Sadly, water voles face ongoing challenges across the UK, from habitat loss to predation by the non-native American mink. That’s why Wednesday’s event was such a milestone for the team, volunteers, and visitors alike.

A Celebration of Conservation

Cllr Richard Jefferies and a water vole

Among those present was Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, who shared:

“What an absolute honour and joy to see this project unfold. To see the East Devon Countryside team create this wonderful habitat, which is perfect for water voles, is a testament to their dedication to conservation. I’m delighted these new wetland residents will be able to enjoy the reserve as much as we do. And of course, I was over the moon to get the chance to see one up close and personal.”

The release was supported by The Derek Gow Consultancy Ltd, who provided the 82 water voles and assisted with the reintroduction. Jenny Tratt from the consultancy added:

“I was here for the first release back in 2017, so it was really nice to come back and bolster the current population in such a lovely part of Devon.”

How the Release Worked

The team used two methods:

  • Soft release – voles were housed in pens for a week to acclimatise to their new environment, with the option to explore once the pens were opened.
  • Hard release – more mature voles were released directly into the waterways, ready to establish new territories right away.

Both approaches help to give the voles the best possible start in their new home.

National Spotlight

Adding to the excitement, the day was covered by BBC Devon, with interviews and filming throughout the morning. The story even gained national attention, following on from a radio segment with Caroline Densley. (You can catch up on the programme via BBC Sounds.)

Wild East Devon’s Countryside Assistant Fiona Coope reflected:

“It has been an absolute privilege to help run this project alongside members of Axe Vale & District Conservation Society. Watching these amazing creatures explore their new habitats has been an incredible highlight in my life, and I can’t wait to see the results of our survey work next spring.”

Stay Connected

The return of water voles to Seaton Wetlands is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when conservation, community, and dedication come together.

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