07 June 2011
Lincolnshire's babbling brooks to bring "Ratty" back to life.
Made famous and adored as Ratty in Wind in the Willows, the water vole is now the fastest declining mammal in Britain - but a new project in Lincolnshire is set to bring this and other species bursting back to life in the county.
The Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, hosted by Lincolnshire County Council, is carrying out conservation work along several becks and streams in the Lincolnshire Wolds' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many chalk streams are in a poor state of health as they become silted up, but crucial alterations will create faster-flowing, meandering and clearer waters, resulting in benefits for wildlife, walkers and fly-fishers.
Ruth Snelson, project officer for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, said:
"The water vole is sadly becoming a much rarer sight today, largely due to being preyed on by mink. However, our conservation work has already resulted in some sightings and we're excited that populations of "Ratty" are being encouraged to return to the area and breed. Clearer waters will also lead to healthier populations of fish like trout and brook lamprey, and keen fly fishers are already reporting better fishing further downstream. "We've been working with landowners and local communities, offering practical advice on how to manage their chalk streams. This is a rare type of habitat, and we hope that by improving and protecting them, species and local communities will be able to benefit in the future. We hope people will come and see the work we're doing as well as enjoying the spectacular countryside of the Lincolnshire Wolds. There are many attractive walks along chalk streams, suitable for families and casual walkers. Trees have been thinned out to enable more sunlight to reach the water, and river banks have been made into more gradual slope so that water can flow more easily onto surrounding flood plain. If you would like to find out more about the work of the project and how you can help, please get in touch.” Ruth is based with the Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service and is contactable on 01507 609740 or ruth.snelson@lincolnshire.gov.uk
Lincolnshire has several chalk streams, which are internationally rare. In Lincolnshire there is a Biodiversity Action Plan for chalk streams to ensure they are properly managed. Chalk rivers have been identified as a priority habitat under the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). The BAP is the UK's response to the Convention on Biological Diversity 1992 (The Rio Earth Summit), and commits a detailed plan for the protection of threatened resources. The water vole, trout and brook lamprey all have Biodiversity Action Plans, and the water vole was given full protection in April 2008 under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Certain species resident in Lincolnshire's Chalk Streams, such as the otter and water vole, are protected under the EU Habitats Directive 1992, Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The projects have been funded by SITA, (landfill tax). In 2005, SITA Trust launched a new funding programme called Enriching Nature. Its aim was to provide vital funding to the biodiversity sector for the delivery of projects which focused on the priorities set out within the UK Biodiversity Action Plans. Enriching Nature was the First Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) funded programme of its type to be strategically linked to government targets and England-wide in its scope. The programme was developed in consultation with Natural England (then English Nature) and all nine Regional Biodiversity Flora in England.
The Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is a nationally important and protected landscape. The AONB Management Plan 2004-2009 was officially launched and adopted by all partners in 2004. Chalk Streams are highlighted within the Management Plan as a key point of action. More information on the project can be found on the Lincolnshire Wolds website: www.lincswolds.org.uk The project was established in early 2004, and brings together a partnership of organisations that are actively working together to conserve and enhance this nationally important resource. The Environment Agency, Anglian Water, Natural England, Lincolnshire Wolds Countryside Service, the Wild Trout Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust ensure that the core objectives of the project are met, namely; increased understanding, environmental, improvements, and awareness raising.
Lincolnshire County Council, County Offices, Newland, Lincoln, LN1 1YL
Press Contact: Debora Bright, Communications Officer, Tel: 01522 553924
Email: debora.bright@lincolnshire.gov.uk