The sewage treatment works, near Wolverhampton, is proving to be the most unlikely winter wonderland for some endangered wildlife, says Severn Trent Water. Water vole populations have been declining due to a loss of habitat and predation by the American Mink.  | | Otter, Wombourne |
But the Bridgnorth Road site has welcomed a number of the cuddly-looking creatures back to the nearby Wom and Smestow brooks which run around the plant, thanks to ongoing conservation work. Otter holts have been constructed along the water courses and grassland has been allowed to grow back to entice water voles to the works. Derek Gow has been breeding the water voles for the project. Severn Trent Water's conservation and heritage manager Andy Warren: "There are real signs that water voles and otters are returning to Wombourne and we are all delighted with what we have seen. "We had a really healthy population around 10 or 11 years ago. But when we cut back the surrounding vegetation the voles disappeared. We noticed the link, stopped cutting the grass and the voles are coming back again.  | | A vole at the sewage works |
"Otters are also taking a liking to Wombourne. We have built a holt at the confluence of the Wom and Smestow brooks which are allowing them to breed. The otter is a beautiful creature and they are making a fantastic comeback." =============== If you're in the mood for nature...Click the link, below, to download leaflets about walks through Bilston, Oldbury, Tipton, Wednesbury, West Bromwich and Willenhall. Also: Walsall Council have organised a free 90-minute walk around the Barr Beacon nature reserve in Aldridge at 10am on Sunday January 7, 2007. Advanced booking is essential, to reserve a place on the free walk call the Walsall Council box office on 0845 111 2900. | 
