Endangered water voles found to be living on former pit site

According to the preliminary results of an continuing survey, the creatures are now living in the 53-hectare site, which is managed by

the Forestry Commission.

Forestry Commission ecologist and biodiversity officer Adrienne Bennett said: "Habitat creation is a key goal in Kiveton's transformation from a derelict colliery site into a thriving woodland so the fact that we have water voles is tremendous news.

"Loss of riverbank habitat and predation by mink are just two of the factors behind the water vole's demise.

"Over the last 60 years they are said to have vanished from 90 per cent of their UK homes. Kiveton is doing its small part in helping reverse that decline."

Rangers working in Kiveton found numerous water vole latrines along a 400-metre stretch of streamside in the wood.

Hunting for droppings is the best way of confirming the presence of water voles, as seeing them can be very difficult, they explained

The survey will provide experts with a benchmark for measuring the water vole's future fortunes.

Vince Carter from the Forestry Commission added: "Nurturing new woodland on brownfield sites is one of the priorities in the Yorkshire and Humber regional forest strategy. Not only do they provide people with a place to chill out and enjoy exercise, but they add greatly to the range of local habitats for wildlife."

Kiveton Colliery closed in 1994 and has since been turned into a woodland, with 50 acres of ponds and grassland created and 37,000 trees planted.