Protecting Native Wildlife Along Littlemead Brook

We’re pleased to be working with the Waterlife Recovery Trust on an important conservation project here at Knowle Park.

You may not have seen them, but American Mink are resident along Littlemead Brook. They are smart, fast-moving predators, and while they might look appealing at first glance, they are an invasive non-native species that can cause serious damage to our native wildlife.

American Mink were brought to the UK in the 20th century for fur farming. Some escaped, and others were deliberately released, allowing them to spread through rivers, streams and wetlands across the country.

One of the species hit hardest has been the Water Vole. Once a familiar sight along Britain’s waterways, Water Vole numbers have fallen dramatically, with Mink predation one of the major causes. Mink can enter Water Vole burrows and quickly wipe out entire local populations. They also prey on birds, amphibians and other small mammals.

That’s why this work matters.

The Waterlife Recovery Trust is a registered charity working to protect native wildlife by removing invasive American Mink from our waterways. Their work is carefully managed, using remotely monitored traps, and any Mink caught are despatched humanely by trained people.

We know this can be a difficult subject. Nobody likes the idea of removing animals from the landscape. But this is about restoring balance and giving our native species, especially Water Voles, a fighting chance.

As custodians of Knowle Park, we have a responsibility to protect the wildlife that belongs here. Littlemead Brook is an important habitat, and this project is another step in helping nature recover across the park.

You can find out more about the Waterlife Recovery Trust and their excellent work here: https://www.waterliferecoverytrust.org.uk/