12th November 2025 – RevIvel was well represented at the annual Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust Water Vole Conference this year. Four of our members participated in an evening of talks, presentations, and discussions.
Data indicates that Water Vole populations continue to increase in Hertfordshire, especially along the rivers to the south of the county.
The River Ivel currently has no confirmed sightings or evidence of Water Voles returning! However, the River Ivel American Mink eradication program, and the Affinity Water augmentation project at Ivel Springs means we are a step closer to reintroducing the Water Vole to the upper Ivel.
The Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust have set a goal of reintroducing Water Vole to all Hertfordshire rivers by 2030. This includes the Ivel.
Over the coming months RevIvel will be working closely with the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust and the Bedfordshire counterpart to develop a plan for reintroduction.
Please take time to read the Water Vole web pages on the Herts & Middlesex Wildlife Trust site here: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/watervoles
This year’s Water Vole Conference provided much good news. However, wildlife is still on the decline in Hertfordshire. Many of our native wildlife and flora are on the edge of extinction as habitat is polluted and redeveloped for human habitation.
You are encouraged to read the “Hertfordshire State of Nature Report” available here: https://www.hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/stateofnature