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Ratty? Water vole spotted
THE water vole, immortalised as Ratty in children’s favourite The Wind in the Willlows and Britain’s fasted-declining mammal, has been spotted in Westminster.
It might sound far-fetched given the distance of W1 from any bucolic brooks, but wildlife researchers have recorded a sighting on the Grand Union Canal in Regent’s Park.
The endearing creature, known for its comical doggy-paddle swimming style, is currently an endangered species in Britain, so the sighting has been hailed as a landmark – or should it be watermark.
The British Waterways 2009 wildlife survey reveals the canal is teaming with more dragonflys, kingfishers and coots than ever before.
Researchers also counted 40 grasshoppers, 13 damselflies and 40 Canada geese.
Dr Mark Robinson, British Waterways’ national ecology manager, said: “Canals and rivers are ideal wildlife corridors that support a vast array of wildlife, including bats, newts and otters.
“You are almost guaranteed to see some exciting wildlife on the waterway. If you look a little harder you might even see something rare or unusual.
“It is particularly encouraging to note the number of water voles spotted this year.” |
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