Detailed surveys at Ruxley Gravel Pits reserve have identified three key mammals present on the site including the nationally rare water vole which were reintrouduced to the site in July 2002.
Field Voles
Field voles are thought to be the most important small mammal in Britain because so many predators depend on them as a food source.
Harvest Mouse
The Harvest mouse is Britain’s smallest rodent and has been seen by very few people in modern day Britain.
Water Voles
Surveys have shown that water voles have disappeared from more than 89 per cent of sites they occupied 60 years ago. Alarmingly, it is estimated that if the decline continues at the current rate of loss, water voles could be extinct in Britain by 2010!
The voles’ peaceful riverbank home has changed beyond recognition over the past 50 years. At Ruxley the areas of waterside habitat have been restored and provide the water ideal water vole home.
