Water voles return to River Wey after nearly 30 years
The National Trust has successfully reintroduced 300 water voles to ten sites along the River Wey, marking a remarkable conservation victory for Surrey.
A species returns home
It's wonderful news for nature lovers across Epsom and Surrey: water voles are swimming back into the River Wey for the first time in nearly three decades. After being declared locally extinct in the early 2000s, these charming creatures are getting a second chance at life along our beloved waterway.
The National Trust has been leading this inspiring conservation project, releasing 300 water voles across ten carefully chosen sites in September. These locations include some of the River Wey's most picturesque spots—Thundry Meadows, the Hampton estate, Pierrepont Farm, and Weyburn Meadows—all offering ideal habitats for the voles to thrive.
This latest release builds on earlier successes, with 1,300 water voles having been introduced to the North Wey back in June. The voles were raised by project partner Derek Gow Consultancy and carefully placed in soft-release pens before being given full access to their new homes in Frensham and Elstead.
A collaborative triumph
What makes this achievement even more special is the remarkable teamwork behind it. David Elliott, the National Trust's Lead Ranger for the South Downs West, celebrates the partnership: "Nature wins when we work together." The project has brought together Surrey Wildlife Trust, the Hampton Estate, Countryside Regeneration Trust, The Land Trust, South East Rivers Trust, River Wey Trust, and the Black Down & Hindhead Supporter Group—all dedicated to restoring habitats and ecosystems along the river.
Signs of success
Early indicators suggest the reintroduction is going brilliantly. Field surveys have already spotted feeding signs, burrows, and latrines, while wildlife cameras and environmental DNA water testing confirm that the voles are not just surviving—they're thriving. Populations are even beginning to expand beyond the original release sites, which is tremendously encouraging.
The return of water voles benefits far more than just themselves. These enchanting creatures graze nearly their entire 300-gram body weight daily, which supports native wildflowers, pollinating insects, and the wider ecosystem. The National Trust has noted that their presence is also good news for kingfishers, sand martins, birds of prey, eels, frogs, and trout—essentially restoring a missing piece to the natural jigsaw of the River Wey.
A historic comeback
It's hard to overstate how significant this is. During the 20th century, water vole populations across England declined by 93 percent. The species became so rare that many people know them best from literature—as 'Ratty' in Kenneth Grahame's classic novel 'The Wind in the Willows,' published in 1908.
For those of us who love the River Wey and want to see our local wildlife flourish, this is cause for genuine celebration. These delightful water voles represent hope, restoration, and what's possible when our community comes together for nature.
Source: Previously 'extinct' water voles reintroduced to Surrey River Wey for first time in nearly 30 years