Rare Urban Water Voles Relocated for Sustainable Drainage Project in Glasgow
Rare burrowing city water voles relocated ahead of drainage works
Evening Standard
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A population of rare fossorial water voles in Glasgow's Wellhouse area has been relocated to protect them from upcoming drainage works. The Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) project aims to manage rainwater more effectively, reducing the risk of sewer overload during heavy rainfall.
- 01Fossorial water voles, first identified in Glasgow in 2008, live in urban grassy areas rather than near water.
- 02The relocation was conducted by a specialist team to facilitate the construction of a new Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) detention basin.
- 03Scottish Water emphasizes its commitment to environmental protection in the relocation process.
- 04The SUDS project aims to reduce rainwater entering the sewer system, lowering the risk of flooding and providing cost savings.
- 05Collaboration involved multiple organizations, including Scottish Water, Glasgow City Council, and Tetra Tech.
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In Glasgow's Wellhouse area, a population of rare fossorial water voles has been carefully relocated to ensure their protection ahead of the construction of a new Sustainable Urban Drainage System (SUDS) detention basin. Unlike typical voles that inhabit areas near water, these voles have adapted to urban grassy environments. The relocation, managed by a specialist team, was crucial for the SUDS project, which aims to mitigate rainwater overflow into the combined sewer network during heavy rainfall. Steven Greenhill, Scottish Water’s alliance team manager, highlighted the organization's commitment to environmental stewardship and thanked the various partners involved in the relocation process. The SUDS initiative is expected to deliver significant cost and carbon savings by reducing the need for rainwater treatment. Jenny Craig, environmental manager at Scottish Water, noted the collaborative effort over several years among various stakeholders, showcasing the importance of protecting local wildlife while advancing infrastructure projects. The relocation is part of a broader effort to enable more affordable housing development in the area, with project completion anticipated by summer next year.
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The SUDS project will help manage rainwater more effectively, reducing the risk of flooding in the Wellhouse area.
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