Water Vole

Status

The water vole is found throughout Britain although it is confined mainly to lowland areas near water. Once common and widespread, this species has suffered a significant decline in numbers and distribution. A national survey in 1989-90 failed to find signs of voles in 67% of sites where they were previously recorded.

Ecology

The water vole is the largest British vole. They are rat-sized with a blunt-nose, chestnut brown fur, short rounded ears and a long hair-covered tail. They inhabit densely vegetated banks of ditches, dykes, rivers and streams, generally where the current is slow and water is present throughout the year. Water voles dig extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways with entrances holes both above and below the water.

Water voles are predominantly vegetarian and grasses are their main food. In winter they feed on roots and rhizomes and on the bulbs of plants as well as hay collected in autumn.

Protection Under UK Legislation

Under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), it is an offence to damage/destroy a place of water vole shelter/protection and to disturb a water vole while in a place of shelter.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act does not specifically protect water voles from direct harm, however the Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 protects all mammals from any action with the intention of causing deliberate harm.

Survey Methods

Water vole surveys are normally carried out between April and October when animals are most active. The peak in the survey season is September when population levels are high following the summer breeding season.

Surveys involve the close inspection of watercourses for signs of water vole trails, feeding signs, latrines and burrows. If surveys involve the disturbance of water voles in their burrows a survey licence must be obtained from Natural England.

Links

The Mammal Society

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