RINGWOOD has been playing host to 50 first dates as a group of water voles has been moved to the town.

The water vole population in Ringwood was severely affected by mink in the past. But with the mink population now in control, in time it is hoped water voles will breed once they get past their territorial instincts.

And for the last five months, a dozen water voles from Salisbury have been living on a farm in Ringwood.

Mike Porter of the Environment Agency said: “One of the Salisbury River Park’s aims, aside from reducing flood risk and regeneration, is to improve the environment for biodiversity. 

“So it is very encouraging to see that spill over to this location where the voles are healthy and happy in their new forever home and, in time, will grow in numbers and spread afield.”