300 water voles released into river in south-east England

300 water voles have been reintroduced into the River Wey in south-east England.

The release took place in the Surrey town of Farnham as part of a wider project to help the species recover.

The animals used to be a very common sight in the UK's rivers, but their population has declined sharply over recent decades due to habitat loss and predation.

Water voles play an important role in riverside biodiversity, providing food for other species, while also helping reshape habitats.

The release was led by the National Trust and Environment Agency, alongside local groups and volunteers.

Conservationists said the aim was to restore a sustainable population of water voles along the River Wey.

The semi-aquatic rodents haven't been seen locally for over 20 years, but those working on the project hope the species will make a comeback.

Their numbers have decreased significantly in the UK since the 1970s, mainly due to habitat loss and predation.

David Elliott from the National Trust explained: "This wonderful little animal is making a comeback and we couldn't be more delighted than to share that with the people of Farnham.

"The water vole is a species that used to be common. The disappearance of the rare is what often grabs people's attention, but the disappearance of the common is what we should all care about."

This is the second release of water voles after a first group were introduced close to the nearby Surrey market town of Haslemere.

More are planned over the coming year, with early signs suggesting that initial populations have been doing well.

According to the National Trust, water voles play an important role providing food for species such as barn owls and otters, while their grazing helps reshape habitats and create space for rare plants.