Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, with Carillion Head Office Staff

Wom Brook Water Vole Project

The water vole is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and the Staffordshire Biodiversity Action Plan but surveys have shown a 73% decline in water vole populations since 1996. A survey of the Wom brook carried out by the Trust in 2001 recorded the first discovery of a water vole colony, one of just four known breeding sites in the South Staffordshire district. This project aims to improve the habitat for water voles at Wom brook and includes work to restore ponds, protect brook banks with willow weaving and better engage the local community by improving interpretation on the site. A further survey will be carried out during this project and the results used to inform a management plan for the site.

Further volunteering days took place to clear areas of scrub along sections of the brook and construct natural bank protection, i.e. willow weaving. A survey of the Wom brook catchment area was carried out in July 2002 confirming 7 areas supported water voles, 5 of these were previously unknown. A 5 year management plan for the area carrying the Carillion logo has been written. Discussions are ongoing with the district council, who hope to include the plan in their Local Nature Reserve management plan. A second survey to be carried out in July 2003 will provide a direct comparison with the results from 2002, hopefully showing an increase in water vole activity.

A new interpretation board has been designed and includes this picture by a 9 year old son of a Carillion staff member who won first prize in a competition placed in the Carillion staff magazine. Both the winner and runner up also won one year free membership to Wildlife Watch. An unveiling event for the board and wildlife walks are planned for the site during the summer.