Cotswold Canals’ Lost Habitats: Protecting Local Water Voles

This is a project to create a new water vole pond on the banks of Stroudwater Canal.

Water voles are crucial to diverse, thriving wetland ecosystems; they are also at risk of extinction. Habitat loss is one of their main threats. This conservation project will engage communities in developing new habitats for water voles to better protect and sustain this endangered species.

An army of local volunteers will build a 150m water vole pond on the banks of the Stroudwater Canal. Interpretation boards will run alongside, enabling the public to learn about and enjoy the fantastic natural world. This volunteer-led project will bring the community together in a collected effort to protect the environment and promote biological diversity. 150 volunteers, supported by Cotswold Connected, will create and maintain the wetland area, acquiring new knowledge and skills and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship. Once complete, the pond will serve as a valuable educational tool, highlighting the importance of wildlife conservation, and providing numerous opportunities for community-engagement and outdoor learning.
Nature is, and always has been, an integral and inseparable part of canal life. The project aims to support a sustainable, nationally significant water vole population, promoting their well-being and contributing to the broader health of the local ecosystem.

Restoring and creating habitats in the region is crucial, as highlighted by local strategies such as the Wilder Frome Strategic Action plan. The Trusts targeted approach will help to ensure the stability and growth of the local water vole population, contributing to their sustained presence within the canal ecosystem. In tandem, their presence will improve the dynamic of the local ecosystem, fostering enhanced biodiversity. The pond will not only serve as vital habitats for water voles, but new areas of still water will attract a diverse array of wildlife such as amphibians, invertebrates, waterfowl and other small mammals such as shews and bats – creating an interconnected and thriving ecosystem. This increased biodiversity is crucial for the overall health of the canal network, promoting ecological balance and resilience against environmental change.

This project will not only enhance nature, it will also revitalise the local area. Improved aesthetics along the canal will help attract both residents and visitors, boosting the local economy and encouraging people to connect with and enjoy the revitalised natural pace. The pond will be located alongside the Cotswold and Stroudwater Canal at Fromebridge Mill. This is an area that is accessible to the public throughout the week, all-year, with no charge. The canals attract around 40,000 people each year, and consists of two visitor centres, three book shops and 16km of canals. There are no restrictions in place.