In a heartening scene straight out of The Wind in the Willows, water voles – known as “Nature’s Engineers” – are swimming back into waterways in the West of England after more than two decades of absence.

Thanks to a pioneering reintroduction initiative led by the West of England Nature Partnership (WENP) in collaboration with Bristol Zoological Society, these beloved semi-aquatic mammals are re-establishing a foothold along the Severn Shoreline Levels and Moors.

The project marks a significant step forward for local biodiversity and is part of the region’s broader Severn Shoreline restoration programme.

 

Made famous by Ratty in The Wind in the Willows, water voles are often described as 'nature's engineers'.

Water voles returning to rivers and streams after 20-year absence

An 18-year-old man has pleaded guilty to causing the collision in Lawrence Weston on Sunday (17 November) which left a four-year-old boy in a critical condition in hospital.

James Doherty, of no fixed address, appeared at Bristol Magistrates' Court earlier today having been charged last night (18 November).

He pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was remanded into custody for sentencing at Bristol Crown Court on Tuesday 17 December.

James Doherty pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

'Reckless' driver admits causing hit-and-run that left child critically injured

A developer wants to knock the pub down and replace it with homes and a 'micropub'.

Last remaining pub in Bristol estate saved from demolition

The 'Yellow LAB' will connect Avonmouth to Lawrence Weston, Henbury and Brentry - with a stop at Cribbs Causeway.

New Avonmouth bus service to operate hourly after key route axed

The blaze sent flames into nearby hedges, driveways and gardens, while burning petrol flowed across the street.

Van explodes into flames in middle of night on Bristol street

Officers are keen to trace several people seen in the area at around the time.

Can you help police with Bristol sexual assault appeal?

A murder investigation is underway after a man died in Lawrence Weston on Friday.

Murder investigation underway after flat fire

Arsonists have targeted a community farm in Bristol for the second time this year. 

Lawrence Weston

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