Mink threaten water voles, say the scheme organisers

A mink control belt stretching across the county from Martock to Cheddar could be established by autumn.

It would be the result of a joint conservation project set up by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation and English Nature, which has so far been limited to running mink trapping workshops.

The organisers say mink contribute to the decline in water vole and ground-nesting birds in the county.

Robin Marshall-Ball, the conservation officer for the affected area is running the trapping workshops.

He said "I am encouraged by the way the project is developing.

"There has been a great deal of co-operation between shooters and other conservation bodies following the first event in March.

"Those attending this workshop are very keen to participate," he said.