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<p>Wildlife protection is a devolved matter. In accordance with the Wildlife and Countryside
Act 1981 (as amended) the water vole and its habitat receives full protection in England
and Wales. The species has been identified as one of principal importance for the
conservation of biodiversity in England.</p><p> </p><p>Water voles and other protected
species benefit from a range of initiatives including Defra’s agri-environment schemes
as well as river and wetland restoration projects, and water quality improvements.</p><p>
</p><p>The Environment Agency has created nearly 5,000 hectares of wetland and river
habitats in the last 10 years and is working in partnership with the Wildlife Trusts
to improve and protect over 15,000km of rivers, lakes and coastal waters, creating
healthy riverside habitats benefiting animals such as water voles.</p><p> </p><p>Agri-environment
schemes such as Countryside Stewardship provide suitable habitat for wildlife including
water voles and other small mammals. Scheme options that benefit water voles include
buffer strips alongside ponds, ditches, and other watercourses and fencing alongside
watercourses to protect bankside vegetation. Long-term strategic conservation work
includes re-introduction schemes such as a recent scheme in Hertfordshire, combined
with mink management projects (such as the Norfolk Mink Project) and habitat management.</p><p>
</p><p>In addition the National Water Vole Monitoring Programme launched by the People’s
Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) in collaboration with the UK Water Vole Steering
Group (The Wildlife Trusts, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Natural Heritage, Environment
Agency, Natural England and RSPB) aims to bring together all surveying work that is
being carried out across the country, as well as monitor selected historical sites,
to establish any changes in the water vole population and to help guide future conservation
efforts.</p>
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