Anglers Fight Invasive Mink to Save Dorking River Wildlife

The Threat to the River Mole and Our Local Wildlife

The River Mole is the lifeblood of our Dorking community, winding past local landmarks like Box Hill and through tranquil waters where families walk and fish. But a silent killer is stalking the banks. The American mink, an aggressive, non-native predator that escaped fur farms in the 1950s, is decimating our local wildlife. In our own backyards, we have watched water voles, swans, and herons face a devastating decline. The Dorking & District Angling Society has stepped up to protect these waters. Just as local homeowners look to secure their properties with a modern loft conversion or a complete loft refurbishment to make the most of their space, our conservationists are working to rebuild and secure the natural habitats of the River Mole. The stakes could not be higher: over the last decade, mink have caused a staggering 97% decline in the UK’s water vole population. Without swift action, we risk losing these beloved creatures from our Surrey waterways forever.

Local Anglers and Experts Team Up for the Fight

This conservation effort is a true community collaboration. Members of the Dorking & District Angling Society are acting as the eyes and ears of the River Mole. Phil Waddicor, the society’s fisheries officer, explains that anglers are uniquely positioned to spot these elusive predators while out on the water. When a sighting is reported, the Waterlife Recovery Trust steps in. Led by Rob Martin, the trust deploys smart traps along the riverbank. When a trap is triggered, it automatically sends an email alert to organizers. Because mink are highly territorial and invasive, relocation is illegal and biologically harmful, meaning those caught must be humanely euthanised. The bodies are then sent to Cambridge for vital DNA analysis, age testing via their teeth, and to harvest scent glands used to lure other mink. This scientific approach is critical, and the angling society is actively encouraging neighbouring clubs along the Mole to join the initiative to create a unified front.

What Dorking Residents Can Do and What’s Next

The success of this ecological rescue mission depends on all of us. While many in Dorking are focused on urban developments—perhaps hired by Guilford builders for a home project—our collective attention must also turn to our fragile local ecosystems. Protecting the River Mole ensures that Dorking remains a vibrant, biodiverse place to live for generations to come. Local residents, walkers, and nature enthusiasts are urged to keep a close watch when exploring the river paths. If you spot a dark, ferret-like animal swimming or scurrying along the banks, do not approach it, but do report the sighting immediately via the Waterlife Recovery Trust’s website. Your quick report could trigger the deployment of a new trap, saving hundreds of native birds and mammals. As the project expands, we can hope to see a steady recovery of our iconic water voles and a healthier, more balanced river ecosystem that we can all enjoy.

Source: Anglers help tackle mink killing wildlife on Dorking waterways