Spring 2002 No. 12

Page 7

West Area Co-ordinator

I have now taken over from John Stobart as West Area Co-ordinator. I am certainly not an otter expert, as John is, and feel I am very much a learner in otter biology and habitat. Anyway, John tells me this role is a doddle, as all Western area recorders send in their results way before the deadline! Any nasty substances in matchboxes which I receive will be forwarded to John or Bronwen for verification. I’ve been a member of D.O.G. since the group was formed. At first I recorded otter signs on streams near bishops Caundle in North Dorset, where I previously lived. Now I’m in Marshwood I record sites on the Char and its tributaries.

I intend to organize regular meetings for Western area recorders so that we can discuss past results and make future plans. With this in mind the first meeting will be on Sunday 28 April at 2 pm, here at my home Babers Farm, Marshwood. John Stobart will be making a guest appearance, and hopefully Bronwen will also be here.

The plan will be to go on a short walk around the farm and then time to chat over a cup of tea. I can’t promise any otter signs but the farm is being looked after with wildlife very much in mind and we do have two small streams which otters may well travel along from time to time. Please give me a call about a week before to say if you can come along (Tel: 01297 678772)

Elizabeth James

Water Vole Survey in Dorset 2001 The Story so Far.

In 1996/1997 a water vole survey was undertaken on the Dorset waterways. This was in response to a feared loss in water vole numbers indicated from a National survey undertaken in 1990. Both surveys looked at the presence of water vole. In Dorset, the results of the 1996/97 survey indicated little change from the 1990 survey, with water vole populations present on most of the main chalk rivers. The past survey in Dorset showed little indication that mink are detrimentally affecting the water vole population, although water vole numbers may be locally affected.

This year and 2002 a repeat survey of the 1996/1997 sites is being undertaken. The results so far have been promising. From the period of June to the end of October, 36 sites have been re-surveyed. In 1996/97 27% of these sites where positive for water vole. From this year's survey 61% have contained water voles. Of these 36 sites, only four showed signs of mink, with half of these sites being positive for water voles and half negative. From the survey 5 years ago, West Dorset contained no positive water vole signs. This has now changed, with the River Char showing water vole evidence. The Rivers Frome and Piddle are good water vole strongholds, with areas of the River Stour also containing good populations. So far the areas to the North, South, East and West of Dorset all contain rivers with water voles. The central part of the county has yet to be re-sampled.
There are plenty more sites to be re-surveyed next year, and hopefully this increase in positive rivers will continue. The current increase in the population could be due to many things, including better rivers, wetlands and habitat management and the subsequent improvement in water vole habitat.

Serena Bower