Water Vole Habitat Scoping

WWT Consulting undertook site visits in April 2010 to a number of wetland sites within the London Borough of Ealing. The work involved three main aspects; surveyors assessed the suitability of habitats to support Water Vole Arvicola terrestris, the feasibility of restoring and creating wetland areas at three sites and surveys of the freshwater macro-invertebrate communities at six locations along the River Brent, an indicator of water quality along the river.

Phase 1 habitat surveys were conducted at the three sites proposed for habitat restoration and creation to help inform concept ideas for habitat alterations.

The work followed on from a water vole habitat scoping study conducted during September 2009, which identified areas suitable for Water Vole and provided recommendations for enhancing the wetland biodiversity at the visited sites.

A report was produced summarising the findings of the visits, as well as providing recommendations for improving the quality of habitats for Water Vole and ideas for wetland habitat creation.