Welsh Water creates unique ‘tennis ball’ homes for harvest mice at Llandegfedd Lake

Welsh Water has installed harvest mouse houses at Llandegfed reservoir using old tennis balls.
The balls will protect the mice from bad weather and predators.
Sport clubs can now donate their old tennis balls to Welsh Water for reuse.
Welsh Water has unveiled an innovative wildlife conservation project which creates homes for harvest mice out of old tennis balls at its Llandegfedd Lake.

The project is aimed at protecting wildlife and enhancing biodiversity at the reservoir.

Inspired by the success of the Dee Estuary RSPB site in 2015, the company’s ranger team has undertaken the unique approach to support the local harvest mouse population by repurposing old tennis balls.

Traditionally, tennis balls may not seem like a cause for celebration, but the team recognised their potential for creating positive environmental impact. By installing “harvest mouse houses” made from tennis balls, the ranger team at Llandegfedd Reservoir has taken a significant step towards safeguarding these small mammals.

Visitor Experience Manager at Llandegfedd Lake, Jonathan Davies, said: “The repurposed tennis balls serve multiple purposes in this conservation effort. They provide a protective barrier against predators and bad weather. They also offer an opportunity for the mice to establish nests in areas with a lot of food but no suitable areas to nest.”

This innovative approach to wildlife conservation aligns with Welsh Water’s commitment to improve biodiversity throughout their sites.

Now, the not-for-profit water company is encouraging sports clubs across Wales and Hereford to give old tennis balls a new lease of life by donating them to the project.

Jonathan added: “We’d encourage any sports or tennis clubs with old, disused tennis balls to get in touch with us, so we can recycle the balls and give these creatures a new, safe home.”