RATTY' looks set to make a major comeback to a Hampshire river.

Once a common sight, water voles have seen a rapid decline and are thought to be extinct in the Meon Valley.

But now a new scheme, said to be the largest of its kind ever attempted in the country, is attempting to reintroduce the animal to the River Meon.

The joint project is led by the South Downs National Park Authority, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.

The first release of the water voles is at the Titchfield Haven National Nature Reserve, where up to 500 water voles will be released through a gradual process first allowing them to acclimatise to their new home by spending four days in release pens, which will then open so they can explore.

A team of rangers have been working to prepare for this.

As many as 750 of the animals will be released this year in two separate sessions and further releases are planned and this site and other sites on the river in the next few years.

The water vole population has been under threat because of a loss of habitat, pollution and being preyed on by the non-native American mink.

The project has been working with landowners and anglers following extensive research and surveys to improve the quality of habitat.

Elaina Whittaker-Slark, a South Downs National Park ranger, said: “This is an ambitious project on the largest scale ever attempted in this country.

“We hope that in the future we'll have water voles back and thriving, from the source in the heart of the South Downs National Park, its tributaries and along the length of the Meon Valley.”

Ali Morse, Water Policy & Projects Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said:“Hampshire is a national stronghold for water voles and most rivers have seen populations start to recover over the past few years but, despite huge efforts to control mink on the river, water voles haven't returned to the Meon. “We're very excited to be welcoming our new residents and hope that they enjoy their new home.”

Cllr Keith Chapman, Executive Member for Culture, Recreation & Countryside at Hampshire County Council said: “A long-term mink control programme, combined with habitat improvements such as the creation of new reedbeds with ditches, pools and open water, should give the water voles the best possible chances to flourish.”