Biodiversity Action Plan Case Study

Wardlow Mires

A small population of water voles has occupied a ditch system and small stream at Wardlow Mires in the White Peak since at least 1998.

The Wardlow water voles are separated from their nearest neighbours by almost three kilometres of dry limestone dale and the site is crossed by the busy A623 road. South-west of the road the site forms part of the Cressbrook Dale National Nature Reserve and, a few years ago, English Nature (now Natural England) extended both the area of open water and the length of available bankside habitat.

The more extensive ditch on the north side of the road lies on private farmland. This ditch had not been maintained for several years; a build up of silt had lowered water levels and allowed vegetation to colonise the channel, leaving only small patches of open water. Broken fencing had allowed stock to access the eastern side of the ditch causing damage to the soft banks.

A change of land ownership provided an opportunity to protect and enhance the site. Working with the Vision Project and with the co-operation of the new landowner, plans were drawn up to restore areas of open water and re-profile the damaged banks.

With funding from the Water Vole Recovery Project and the Peak District National Park Authority, and following a water vole survey, a contractor was employed to undertake the works in November 2005.

Working from the east side of the ditch using a digger with a small bucket attached, works were undertaken without disturbing the water voles which occupied the west bank. Width along the restored ditch was constricted in places, slowing the flow and creating areas of deeper water. The restored ditch was then fenced to prevent stock access.

The resulting increase in the extent of open water on the White Peak plateau, where it is generally in short supply, has provided more suitable habitat for water voles and should also benefit dragonflies, damselflies, amphibians and other species. The re-profiled eastern bank has increased the extent of burrowing habitat for water voles. Fencing now prevents stock access, with a buffer strip giving a greater bandwidth of taller vegetation, thereby providing cover and food for water voles.