The Surrey Wildlife Trust has released 30 water voles—nationally endangered small rodents—into a nature reserve near Elstead, marking a significant step in their conservation efforts. These voles, which were functionally extinct in Surrey since the early 2000s, are being reintroduced to the River Wey as part of a broader ecological restoration project. This release follows a previous successful introduction further upstream on the river, and the voles are now being placed at 10 different sites between Frensham and Elstead. The trust hopes these animals will adapt well to their new environment and eventually spread across the Wey catchment area. James Herd, director of reserves management at the Surrey Wildlife Trust, explained that the reintroduction is part of a larger initiative to restore natural ecosystems and landscapes across the county. He expressed optimism about the possibility of bringing back other native species in the future. Water voles play a vital role in wetland ecosystems, and their return could support a range of other wildlife, including herons and birds of prey, which rely on healthy wetland habitats. The reintroduction effort is not limited to the Surrey Wildlife Trust. It is part of a joint initiative involving the National Trust, River Wey Trust, and South East Rivers Trust, all working together to bring the water vole back to the River Wey after its local extinction. These groups have been working for years on habitat restoration and species reintroduction, aiming to rebuild the ecological balance that once existed in the region. David Elliott, National Trust lead ranger for the South Downs West, welcomed the return of the water voles, calling it an encouraging development after decades of absence. He noted that their reintroduction adds a crucial element to the local ecosystem, helping to restore the natural interdependence of species in the area. The trust is now closely monitoring the voles’ progress, hoping they will thrive and contribute to the long-term health of the wetland environment at Thundry Meadows and beyond.