South Ayrshire Water Vole Reintroduction Project

The project will first improve habitat and control non native predators before reintroducing captive bred water voles to the area. Following reintroduction, project aims are to monitor and collect scientific data that will prove invaluable in the development of future water vole conservation strategies. The project officer will manage and co ordinate the habitat improvements and research along with organising predator control using volunteers.
The project will deliver ongoing control of non native predator species in and surrounding the release site. Volunteer and community involvement will be encouraged throughout, the aim being to educate and train volunteers in survey and conservation techniques thereby improving career prospects. Educational components will be delivered to primary and further educational establishments in the vicinity of the Slaphouse burn and its tributaries thereby raising awareness of conservation issues.

Please see sheet.