Ivel and Ouse Valley Wildlife

We have produced a number of reports on the Wildlife and Habitats found within the Ivel (and Ouse) valleys and many of these are now available as .pdf documents here. Please click on the links below to download the relevant documents.

Bedfordshire Water Vole Monitoring 2005 by Amanda Proud and Mick McCarrick, 2005.

Bedfordshire Otter Survey 2003/04. by Amanda Proud, 2004.

Ivel Valley Countryside Project Water Shrew Survey by J Green and A Proud, 2002.

Bedfordshire and Luton Waterways and Wetlands BAP Key Invertebrates. An Assessment and Recommendations for the Future Interim Report number 1. by Amanda Proud, 2002.

Truncatellina Cylindrica (Férussac),the Cylindrical Whorl Snail, in North Bedfordshire. by Richard Lawrence, 2005

A search for Truncatellina cylindrica (Férussac) The Cylindrical Whorl Snail in East Bedfordshire by Richard Lawrence, 2003

The Habitat, Ecology, distribution and Conservation of Truncatellina cylindrica (Ferussac) The Cylindrical Whorl Snail With particular emphasis on the Bedfordshire population. by Richard Lawrence, 2002

The rich variety of local wildlife and history make the Ivel and Ouse valleys great places to live or visit. Some of our most notable species and heritage features are listed below, but there is nothing like getting out and discovering the area for yourself. Visit our 'sites and trails' page for ideas of where to start.

Otters
The otter is one of our rarest mammals, but is making a great fightback. Until the 1950's the otter was common in the ivel valley and across much of lowland Britain, but a combination of habitat destruction, pollution and hunting wiped them out.
This shy, nocturnal creature is rarely seen, but there is increasing evidence from footprints and 'spraints' (droppings) that they are returning to former rivers, including the Ivel and Ouse as well as gravel pits in the area. Visit the Bedfordshire Otters and Rivers Project Website to find out more and see all the conservation work we are doing for otters and other waterway and wetland species.

Water Voles
Water voles, like otters were once a common sight in the valley and across much of lowland Britain, but over recent years their numbers have plummeted. Again this is due to loss of habitat and pollution, but also predation by mink, an introduced species.
Water voles are sometimes called 'water rats', but there is no such species. This misunderstanding occurs because the common 'brown rat' often lives near streams and ditches and can swim; and because the water vole in Kenneth Graham's 'Wind in the Willows' was given the incorrect name of 'Ratty'!
Water voles live in small burrows on the banks of streams and ditches which have plenty of vegetation for food and cover.

Kingfisher
The kingfisher has to be one of Britain's most beautiful birds and can be seen, with a bit of luck(!) along the Rivers Ivel and Ouse. Perching on branches overhanging the water, the bird is motionless until it spears into the water in a flash of blue and orange, returning with a small fish.
Kingfishers nest in tunnels up to 1m deep in mud banks or the exposed root plates of fallen trees. In the past, dredging works and the 'tidying up' of fallen trees have led to a loss of habitat and reduced numbers of kingfishers. Today, people are more aware of the needs of wildlife and aim to retain suitable habitat and, in places, create new habitat.

Ponds
Ponds are a haven for wildlife and can support many species of birds, amphibians and plants, in addition to over 2,600 species of invertebrates! During the 1900's, 75% of ponds across Europe were destroyed by being filled in for agriculture or housing, or through pollution and neglect. In recent years, the rate of decline has slowed as the wildlife and aesthetic value of ponds have been recognised.

Our 'Ponds for Life' project aims to record the presence and health of the valley's ponds and identify opportunities for restoring neglected ponds and creating new ponds. If you would like to create your own garden or farm pond, help with its management or join our team of volunteer pond surveyors, please call 01767 626326.

Willows
Willows are a significant feature of the Ivel and Ouse valley landscape, providing benefits to people and wildlife alike.

The Value of Willows:

• A wide range of birds insects and mammals rely on old willow trees for shelter and food
• Up to 450 species of plant eating insect have been recorded on old willow trees.
• Willows create an attractive riverscape in the flat, open Ivel valley.
• Roots of willow trees stabilise riverbanks, pond and lake edges and can for otter 'holts' (dens).
• Willows provide a renewable source of fuel and material for cottage industries.
• The willow is part of our local heritage with strong links to local industry, farming and crafts.

The History of Willows:

Traditionally, willows played an important role in the rural economy:

• Willow was once the most important crop in England, supplying many essential industries including basket making, thatching and tool making.
• None of the tree was wasted with the leaves being used as fodder for livestock. Willowbark tea was taken to relieve the symptoms of malaria, once endemic in southern England.
• The wood of a tree was regularly harvested, either by pollarding - removing all limbs at 2-3m height to stimulate vigorous regrowth; or coppicing - cutting the tree back to ground level to encourage the rapid growth of straight, supple poles.
• Today, with many synthetic alternatives replacing willow, the commercial value of the tree has declined, resulting in a legacy of many neglected and dying specimens.

We have undertaken a valley-wide survey of willows to identify those in need of management and opportunities for planting new trees. In addition, we are investigating ways in which willow products can be used by local crafts people and communities. If you are interested in using willow products or would like further information on the willows of the Ivel valley, please call 01767 626326 or e-mail: info@ivelvalley.co.uk

Bioiodiversity Action Plans (BAPs)
A number of the animals, plants and habitats in the Ivel and Ouse Valleys are now covered by Biodiversity Action Plans (BAPs). These are available for any one to see at local Libraries, or copies can be bought from Bedfordshire County Council. These plans identify the actions required in order to help safeguard the future of wildlife in Bedfordshire and have been developed in partnership with over 200 organisations and individuals. Connect to Bedfordshire and Luton Biodiversity Action Plan to view the plans online.