A school in Balham has been featured on TV for its attempts to save an endangered animal.

Year 5 pupils at Rutherford House School have been working for weeks to create a powerful campaign that aims to save the water vole species from extinction.

Inspired after reading the popular children’s book, ‘The Wind in the Willows’, students rallied into action after hearing that beloved character, Ratty, is dying at a rapid rate.  

In recent years 94% of water voles have disappeared, and predictions suggest that by 2031 the species could become extinct.

The South London students have sent letters to influential people, including local councillors, the Mayor and the Prime Minister, and have created a petition asking the public to take the ‘Vole Vow’.

Wandsworth Times: Letters from pupils to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.Letters from pupils to London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

Their change.org petition has over 13,000 signatures and was picked up yesterday (July 01) by ITV News London.

Camera crews visited the school to speak to students about what the aquatic creatures mean to them.

One pupil responded:

"They are rapidly declining because of habitat loss, the water mink are eating them and pollution,"

"They are a huge part of the environment… and contribute to wildlife more than people think," another added.

Rutherford House School has also supported Citizen Zoo, a 100-volunteer strong organisation that is campaigning to Return Water Vole to Hogsmill, Surrey. 

The charity carries out habitat surveys, runs community engagement events and supports habitat restoration projects throughout the catchment.

The school hopes the same care will be shown towards water vole in the River Wandle in Wandsworth.

To take the Vole Vow and stay updated about the campaign, head to www.change.org/TheVoleVow