Bad water vole habitat management?

[dampflippers]

Well done! Even though it probably hasn't influenced anything, you now know that you were correct and there is a small consolation that the council are in he wrong.

[shirl]

Originally Posted by vole-woman

Well done. At least people are on the case.

And from me too, it's about time people really were brought to account for this type of damage.

Shirl

[Ukwildlifeo]

Just got a request for my photos and more info from the local paper. Which mean Natural England (to who this might be in their remit) and -shock horror- Havering Council, the people responsible have not replied, but then they never do to any complaints, questions or requests for information.

[nightshade]

I think they must acknowlege your letter within 5 working days and respond in 10 working days (i.e. not counting weekends) but check with the Havering council (it will keep them on their toes)

[vole-woman]

Yes, do keep pressing for a response. They probably know they're potentially liable for a fine and a lot of stick.

[Ukwildlifeo]

Here is a quick update on the water vole habitat destruction at Ingrebourne nature reserve I posted about before. The local paper the Romford Recorder, contacted me in the week for photos and infomation and have now published a story in the paper and on the website.

According to the paper the council could be fined.

It looks like the council, while to busy to respond to one of their mere constituents, have responed to the paper. Cllr Barry Tebbutt (who has a less than favourable reputation locally) says that the council work closely with the Essex Wildlife Trust and Enviroment Agency and that they would be having an "internal investigation" to see what happened.

However the Essex Wildlife Trust have said “We are extremely disappointed that this work was carried out in an area that had a long-established water vole population" and “No habitat now exists within the works area that can support water voles, which will fragment the remaining population."

The Environment Agency have also said “The work has damaged the physical structure of the river channel, with implications for the overall river ecology – fish, invertebrates, plants and mammals.”

Is it just me or does it not sound like the EA and EWT were even aware the works were taking place let alone worked with closely as claimed by Cllr Barry Tebbutt!? After all remember the Essex Wildlife Trust stopped the works as soon as they found out they were taking place...

[davecatt]

The EA should have been aware as they are the licensing authority and responsible for the work carried out,be it legal or not.

I grew up in the River Hull Valley area where we had a good population of water voles (until the mink arrived) and it was a regular practice for the River authority to dredge the river Hull during the winter,without an adverse effect on the water vole population.

The river is no longer dredged,the Otters are now expanding their range from the higher reaches,there is an increase in the King fisher population;unfortunately the Water vole will not return without intervention but if they do the conditions are ideal.

[Wild-Woman]

Well done Neil on keeping this highlighted. Perhaps cases like this will demonstrate that that there are people around who will act on the behalf of wildlife and will also use the force of the law if necessary.
Let us know what happens with this in the future.

I hope the wv's re establish themselves away from site, away from the amateurs!

[davecatt]

"Whats worse I cant see any reason for it. The nearby path did sometimes flood but there are no house on eitherside for 100s of metres and they are high enough to be safe from flooding."

Perhaps they were concerned about keeping the water at an acceptable level in order to avoid flooding Arvi out of his hole?