Two hundred newcomers to London will be looking for homes this month.

But these creatures won't be bothered by the capital's spiralling property prices.

They're known as water rats or voles and by the end of July, 200 captive bred animals will have been released into Bedfont Lakes Country Park in West London.

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Water voles have now completely disappeared from large areas; long term reintroductions will be the only way to bring them back

Dr Valerie Keeble, Mammals Trust UK

The spread of American Mink and the destruction of watery habitats has led to a serious reduction in the water vole population, threatening the hairy tailed creatures with extinction.

Wildlife organisation Mammals Trust UK is behind the project and have already released 100 voles. The animals depend on slow moving rivers, lakes and canals to build burrows in steep grassy banks.

Helping Water Voles

If you have a large pond, manage the banks to suit voles Looking after a watercourse also helps other wildlife Special procedures must be followed if you find voles on land you are developing Keep records of vole colonies and inform the Water Vole Project

The London Wildlife Trust is also involved in the project and wants information about Water Vole sightings.

It is because of urban development, the destruction of natural river-banks and the use of concrete and metal reinforcements on canals and rivers that the water vole population has diminished.

A total of 200 voles will be released

Dr Valerie Keeble - who works for the Mammals Trust UK - is involved in the breeding project. She says: "Water voles have now completely disappeared from large areas of the country, and in the long term, reintroductions will be the only way to bring them back."

Erosion by boats and the mowing and clearing of waterside areas has also played its part in reducing numbers. But it is worth remembering that they are protected species and it's illegal to disturb them or damage their habitats.