THE PRESERVATION of one of Wales' most endangered species has been given a major boost this week, after around one-hundred water voles were released into Cosmeston Country Park in Penarth.

In a collaboration between the Vale of Glamorgan Council and Natural Resources Wales, a specially prepared environment in which the rodents can live and breed has been developed to allow the species to thrive in the area.

Aaron Jones, Park Ranger at Cosmeston, said: "The park is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and its lakes, ditches, reedbeds and other plant life make for the perfect habitat for water voles to thrive.

"Here at Cosmeston we do a great amount of work with local schools and voluntary groups to promote conservation and following this week’s release that will become the focus of our work with the creatures. We will be teaching children and young people about the importance of helping preserve the habitats of indigenous creatures and of the risks that come with introducing new species to the ecosystem."

The project is the first such collaboration between NRW and a local authority since a successful pilot project in Carmarthenshire in 2014.

The UK’s population of water voles – a creature immortalised by Ratty in the children’s book The Wind in the Willows - has decreased by as much as 95 per cent since the 1960s, largely due to a loss of habitat.

Richard Davies, Fish Culture Officer for Natural Resources Wales, said: "Water voles were once common in rivers, canals and ponds across Wales, and an important part of our environment.

"Habitat loss and predation by American mink have reduced their numbers and they’re now endangered.

"Our work to breed them at our hatchery in mid-Wales and our partnership with local authorities, wildlife trusts and land owners to improve habitats and to set up new populations, will boost their chance of survival."

A ‘soft release’, intended to help the voles adjust to their new environment, took place on Tuesday, June 20. The team at Cosmeston will be on hand throughout the week, during which time the food and artificial nests in which the animals have been reared will be removed.

Once this is complete, the community of voles will be left to enjoy their new home.