Water voles make historic return to Stanwick Lakes with landmark reintroduction project

A homecoming for water voles

It’s not every day you get to carry a basket of apples and carrots across a wetland, knowing you’re about to help an endangered species settle back into the wild. But this summer, that’s exactly what volunteers at Stanwick Lakes did — and the results are nothing short of historic.

More than 80 water voles have been released into the wetlands reserve, marking the first project-based reintroduction of the species in Northamptonshire. It’s a major step forward for conservation in the county, and a labour of love years in the making.

The release, delivered in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire, follows painstaking habitat preparation, endless surveying, and the tireless work of both staff and volunteers.

And now, a new short film is shining a light on the journey, giving the public a rare glimpse into the careful, sometimes messy, but always heartfelt world of species recovery.

From surveys to species release

For local volunteer Colin Cadle, the story began with a simple water vole survey back in 2021. Fast forward four years, and he’s become a core member of the team.

“When I first came to Stanwick Lakes to monitor water vole habitats, I never imagined I’d one day help feed and release them back into the wild. Being involved at every stage – from those early surveys to seeing the animals settle in – has been incredible,” Colin said.

Assistant Ranger Isaac Manley has also had a front-row seat to the project. For him, it’s been a series of career-defining moments — from his first ever species release to leading public talks.

“This experience has given me some incredible turnkey moments early in my professional journey. It builds on years of habitat development by previous teams and shows the pathways projects like this can open up for young people in conservation,” Isaac said.

Citizen science in action

At the heart of this project is people. More than 30 volunteers have taken part, many trained as “citizen scientists”. From checking floating rafts for tell-tale droppings to monitoring trail cameras, their work is generating real scientific data while building a deeper connection with nature.

And the results are already showing. Trail camera footage reveals natural vole behaviour, and evidence of feeding confirms the animals are establishing themselves.

A carefully managed release

The water voles, bred by Derek Gow Consultancy in Devon, were acclimatised in specially built pens before being released along the riverbanks and islands at Stanwick Lakes. Volunteers carried out daily feeding runs until the doors were opened.

Some voles darted out straight away, others took their time. (“Waiting for perfect weather perhaps,” Isaac joked.) But crucially, the release coincided with the breeding season, giving the population the best chance to establish a strong foothold.

This release builds on a first phase carried out at the nearby Nene Wetlands last autumn. Together, the two projects create a connected network of safe habitat along the River Nene — essential for the long-term survival of the species.

Why water voles matter

Once widespread across Northamptonshire, water voles have vanished from 94% of their former range nationally. Their return to Stanwick Lakes is not just about saving one species, but restoring balance to the whole ecosystem.

As Project Lead Liz Williams put it: “Working with the Wildlife Trust has helped us create the best conditions for these water voles to thrive. Involving volunteers and the public also fosters a sense of stewardship for our native species.”

Their burrowing and grazing habits shape riverside environments, creating opportunities for countless other species to flourish. In short: when water voles thrive, so does everything around them.

How you can get involved

Stanwick Lakes is welcoming new volunteers to help with ongoing monitoring and habitat care. You can also report sightings of water voles (or other wildlife) to nature@rftrust.org.uk or support the project through donations.

And if you want to see the whole story for yourself? Don’t miss the new behind-the-scenes short film, which captures the highs, the hard work, and the heartfelt moments of bringing water voles back home.