I've just come back from a ramble in my local country park, and there's lots of bindweed there - and lots of Water Voles. But if the WT tell you it's a problem, do let me know.
Hmm. They do like open areas in the sense that, if banks are shaded by trees, nothing will grow on the soil and the voles won't have any cover/ food.
However, the bindweed would provide cover for Water Voles. My question would be, do they eat it? If they do, then I can't see it's a disaster, but if they don't, then that's an area with no food for them. And I just don't have the answer to that question, unfortunately.
If you want to tackle it, I'd suggest just taking out a bit from the edges fairly regularly, to stop it spreading. I don't think you can get rid of it once it's firlmy in place without damaging other plants.
If some short stretches of the bank are no-go for Water Voles, that's ok as long as most of the banks are suitable.
Hi, just had a look at your blog 'About a brook - The diary of a Water Vole colony'. It was absolutely lovely! Loved the photos of the Water Voles. When we did our Water Vole survey we didn't see any, but we did find some signs that they were present. It is very addictive and just a lovely way to spend a few hours. Anyway as I said, just wanted to say how much I enjoyed your blog.
There could be other signs, though: feeding/feeding stations are the easiest to spot, then there are burrows and latrines and footprints. Worth having a good look for these.
You will be first to know re Water Voles. I have had an email back from WT they think ears are to big for the dead creature to be a wv but checking with someone else.
Just posted a couple of Water Vole pics from this morning into the gallery, been on holiday so I just had to get down to the canal. 2 adults and 2 juveniles out and about - lovely
