The Countryside Alliance is echoing calls for information to help track down a saboteur who has caused damage to canal conservation efforts.

A saboteur recently removed and destroyed a trap placed on a canal by the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT) in an effort to boost biodiversity by eradicating American mink. The invasive non-native species is responsible for drastic declines in species such as moorhen and water voles.

The WBCT's efforts, working in partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Waterlife Recovery Trust, have seen eight mink removed from the canal at Pewsham in the last year alone. Ducklings, moorhen and little grebe have since been making a return to the canal, proof that the WBCT's work is having a positive effect.

A fundraising drive raised £1,000 to buy a further three traps, two of which were placed on the canal at Templars Firth and Chaddington.

But not long afterwards, one of the traps was removed and destroyed. The saboteur then threw its remains into the WBCT compound at the lock.

Witnesses stated that a man, speaking to dog walkers, had claimed that he removed it, thinking that the trap was intended to catch swans.

The cage trap and its cellular transmitter are now missing.

American mink, first released in the UK from fur farms by animal rights activists decades ago, cost the UK almost £1 million per year. Since escaping these farms, they spread rapidly across the UK, at great cost to native species such as water vole. It has been stated that, unless areas are kept free or relatively free of mink, the water vole will be extinct in much of Britain within a few years.

The WBCT are appealing for anyone with information about the incident, the saboteur, or the wherabouts of the missing equipment, to come forward.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher, Director of External Affairs at the Countryside Alliance, urged witnesses with relevant information to speak out:

"Britain's waterways are precious and highly valued. But they are sadly under huge threat. Invasive non-native species like American mink, along with Signal crayfish and Himalayan balsam, pose an existential threat to our waterways and our native species.

"The conservation work of the WBCT and other organisations is of the utmost importance, and criminals who harm those endeavours must be held responsible for their crimes.

"The Countryside Alliance is urging anyone who has relevant information about this incident to come forward. It is crucial that witnesses speak out.”

Commenting on the frustrating incident, Howard Yardy, Wildlife Officer for Melksham, the Chippenham and Calne branch of WBCT, stated:

"The primary task is to protect water voles, who are a prime target for mink. Our work is dedicated to building a sustainable and thriving ecosystem. With the right support, we can create a lasting, vibrant habitat for local wildlife."

For more details or to report information, contact Howard Yardy at howard.yardy@wbct.org.uk.