HOUSEHOLD waste is allowing rare water voles to return to the Gwent Levels.

The Gwent Wildlife Trust has launched a new water vole project at the Magor Marsh reserve.

It is being funded by waste group Biffa using landfill tax credits donated by the company, Environment Wales and the Countryside Council for Wales.

Water voles are a relatively large acquatic rodent and were once a common sight on the Levels.

Their numbers have declined because they have lost their habitat and they are hunted by non-native American mink.

Project officer Alice Rees said: "We are over the moon that we are able to carry out this crucial work to protect such a rare and nationally important species.

"We'll be working with local communities, volunteers and schools to help make the Gwent Levels a safer place for them.

"We can't wait to get started!"