What was once a strong hold for water voles seems to be having another disappointing year. Previously a half hour walk along the river would result in two or three sightings and in some years as many as ten.
But instead of what should be the peak water vole breeding season, there are no swimming, feeding or fighting voles:
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Another key indicator species - moorhens - are also seem to be few and far between:
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And pair of moorhens have tried to establish a nest, but this appears to have been abandoned:
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This and the lack of water vole sightings and field signs - this year and last - could mean something serious may have happened to this once important water vole stronghold.
Although there may be some contrary evidence, this comment from Martin on my previous post:
I really must investigate these ponds! Incidentally I saw my first water vole for a few years last Tuesday, by the bridge that links the playground area of Ock Meadow to the Tescos path
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It appears that on the lower Ock there is still a water vole colony, so things may not be lost.
I'll let you know if I see any more!
ReplyDeleteJust saw a water vole while out for lunchtime walk in the Abbey Fish Ponds nature reserve, standing very still close to one of the ponds, looked up and there it was...
ReplyDeleteHi, Just to let you know, I have an allotment nr the A34 Marchan Interchange and visit the Sandford Brook daily to raise my crayfish traps and last year regularly saw a water vole, this year we have spotted a stoat that appears to have set up home in a spot where we have seen voles before, sadly no voles seen or evidence of them this year. Will keep you posted
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment - I've often wondered if there are water voles on Sandford Brook, but only managed to see rats near Tesco.
I would definitely be interested to hear if the water voles return, I'd also be interested to know how many crayfish you catch in such a small stream.
Hi Dalibor,
ReplyDeleteThan you for your comment and welcome to my occasional blog.
It's good to hear the water voles are becoming more prevalent along the Abbey Fishponds and hopefully will not fall foul of the many cats which lurk around there.
I would be very interested to hear if you have any more sightings.