Once a familiar sight across the UK’s waterways, the water vole, immortalised as Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, has become one of our most threatened mammals. Habitat loss, pollution, and the invasive American mink have driven a staggering 94% population decline since the 1950s.

But now, a wave of hope is rippling through our rivers.

A recent BBC report shines a spotlight on an ambitious reintroduction program in Lancashire. 204 captive-bred water voles were released into newly restored habitats along the River Lune. It's a project led by the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside , and it offers a powerful example of what’s possible when conservation and community come together.

At LettsSafari, we know just how critical these efforts are. Last year, we celebrated the return of water voles to another carefully rewilded site as part of our broader campaign to revive endangered species through small-scale nature restoration. Read more about that here.

Why water voles matter:

• They’re ecosystem engineers, creating burrows and canals that support many other species.

• They’re a keystone species in wetland environments, helping balance aquatic plant life.

• And they're a vital reminder that even the smallest creatures deserve protection.

What connects projects like Lancashire’s and LettsSafari’s is a belief in local rewilding as a powerful climate and biodiversity solution. It doesn't require hundreds of acres, just commitment, creativity, and community.

Whether it’s restoring riverbanks, managing invasive species, or simply planting the right vegetation, every action counts.

With every LettsSafari subscription, you help restore vital microhabitats for numerous species of plants, trees and animals (including voles!). You’ll also receive nature tips to rewild your own patch – no matter how small. Together, we can get nature to come back.

👉 Join the movement at LettsSafari.com