Wetland Mammals Project (East Yorkshire)

Project Officer: Jon Traill

In the East Riding of Yorkshire the wetland mammals and their habitat project has just come to an end. This project selected four mammal species; European Otter, Water Vole, Water Shrew and Harvest Mouse. The first three species are all strongly associated with water whilst the fourth, the harvest mouse, is not thought of as being linked to wetlands. However, when other suitable habitat is absent or sparse harvest mice will colonise wetland areas such as reedbeds, rank wet grassland, alongside watercourses and marshy ground with tussocky grasses, reeds and sedges.

  • The European otter has been present in the East Riding, found in the River Hull catchment in the east and River Foulness and Market Weighton Canal in the west, over recent years. Surveys and monitoring help to identify areas of importance for otters and allow us to target our work to help safeguard their existence.
  • The water vole has suffered one of the most severe declines of any of the British mammals over the last 50 years, with the rate increasing over the last decade. National  surveys carried out in the 1990's showed the Yorkshire region to be particularly badly affected with over 90% decline. The East Riding is now recognised as not only a regional stronghold, but also a national one, with the River Hull headwater streams of particular importance.
  • The water shrew is one of Britain's least studied small mammals. Its small size and strong association with wetlands makes it very difficult to study. A national survey was conducted between the years of 2003 - 2005, to provide some baseline information on the distribution of the species. They need good quality unpolluted water with high numbers of aquatic invertebrate prey items, as this is their main food source. By collecting water shrew droppings (scats) and looking at them under a microscope it is possible to differentiate water shrews from other small mammal species including the two other shrew species (common and pygmy) likely to be found.

Throughout the project work was undertaken with landowners, river keepers, local conservation and natural history groups, community groups and other organisations to:

  • Raise awareness about wetland mammals, their needs and the threats they face.
  • Carry out surveys and monitoring for all four species, with the help of local volunteers.
  • Work to improve habitats and create new areas of habitat suitable for wetland mammals.
  • Provide training and support for interested individuals, groups and other organisations to help with surveys and practical work.

The project was part financed by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund of the European Union and the Department for the Environment Food and Rural Affairs through the East Riding of Yorkshire LEADER + programme.