The upland landscape of the Rhondda and Afan Valleys in South Wales has long been known for its wild and captivating landscape. Today, thanks to the work of conservationists and local volunteers we now know that this landscape also supports resilient populations of the UK’s fastest declining mammal species – the Water Vole. The project, which is led by the Initiative for Nature Conservation Cymru (INCC) and funded by the Pen y Cymoedd Community Fund has been surveying the numerous ditches, marshes, and peat bogs of the uplands since May 2024 and have already found 20 new Water Vole colonies.

The surveys build on the work already undertaken by partner organisations in the area, and together, more than 40 Water Vole colonies have now been recorded in the landscape in 2024 and the past few years. This makes these upland habitats one of the most significant places in Wales for this special mammal.

Eliza Chapman- INCC’s Conservation Officer- “ Hopefully Water Voles are expanding their range across the uplands, and through our surveying efforts, we have identified good numbers in areas with good quality Water Vole habitat, throughout The Rhondda Cynon Taff and Neath Port Talbot valleys. However, we have also encountered fragmented and unsuitable habitats, where smaller, isolated Water Vole populations are present. The work that we are doing will hopefully prevent local extinction of Water Voles in our valleys”. INCC is focused on saving upland Water Voles because they play a vital role in maintaining the balance and health of upland ecosystems. Once a common sight, Water Voles have declined due to habitat loss and predation by the invasive non-native American Mink, which can wipe out entire colonies within a few days.

The good news is that American Mink tend to avoid upland areas, providing safer habitats for Water Voles.

INCC officers are looking forward to getting back out in the uplands come springtime to survey and monitor more Water Vole colonies across Neath Port Talbot and the Maerdy valley. This important project will be supported by local volunteers, who will help survey and identify key habitats for this endangered species.

Robert Jones Parry- INNC’s Chief Executive Officer said “All the new colonies we have found during the project so far gives us a lot of hope. We couldn’t have done it without the support of the local communities and volunteers. Conserving these upland Water Voles and their habitats gives us our best chance of saving the species from extinction in Wales, and the only way we are going to do that is by working together”.

In addition to surveying, INCC will collaborate with universities and partnerships to carry out genetic analysis of Water Vole populations. This research aims to better understand the connectivity between the discovered colonies.

For more information on INCC’s Upland Water Vole project in South Wales and how you can help, visit: https://www.natureconservation.wales/project/saving-waless-upland-water-voles/