The mink raft scheme being used by the Cromford Flyfishing Club on the Derbyshire Derwent, overseen by the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, to protect the Water Vole poulation along the adjacent Cromford Canal, is having more success than expected.

A third mink, this time a female, was despatched by Head Bailiff  John Pass, in a trap recently added to the ones already placed in various locations within the club water.

At this time of year, so close to the main breeding season, female mink are extremely cautious and it is very unusual to trap one quite so easily.

The project remains ongoing and will continue throughout the whole of the breeding season.I

f you would like to take part in the mink raft scheme in your area, contact the Game Conservancy Trust web site for more information.