Saving the Water Vole - To the Rescue of 'Ratty'

The humble water vole is one of Britain's best loved animals.

Famed as 'Ratty' in 'The Wind in the Willows', the water vole has been under threat for decades.

These docile creatures, once a regular sight on riverbanks and waterside locations everywhere in the UK, have been hunted to the brink of extinction by predators, including North American Mink released from fur farms by animal activists.

Now the South Downs National Park Authority have begun an ambitious project to re-introduce 'Ratty' to riverbanks across Hampshire.

This film tells the story of one release day - on the River Meon, a stretch of water controlled by the Portsmouth Services Fly Fishing Association.

Hope you enjoy it.