Water Voles

The UK water vole population has undergone a massive decline since the 1900’s. The two major factors in this decline have been habitat loss and degradation and predation by American Mink. The water vole currently has a very patchy distribution nationally, with many local populations becoming extinct. Water voles are often confused with the brown rat, which can also be seen near water. However, in common with other voles, it has a more rounded body and short, blunt face with small ears that are almost hidden under the fur, unlike those of the brown rat.

Water voles prefer slow-moving water courses with permanent water during the summer, but without significant flooding during the winter. However, they can be found on virtually any kind of waterway, including rivers, streams, canals, ditches and ponds. The most favoured sites have steep earth banks into which the voles can burrow, and continuous waterside vegetation for both food and protection from predators.

Legal Protection and UK BAP Status

Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as amended. This makes it an offence, intentionally or recklessly, to damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection. It is also an offence to disturb water voles while they are using such a place.
The water vole is a priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. It is considered to be a Species of Principal Importance for the Conservation of Biodiversity in England under Section 74 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. It is also listed on many Local Biodiversity Action Plans.

Greenprint Ecology services related to water voles

  • Full water vole surveys to ascertain presence/absence and distribution; 
  • Where appropriate, habitat improvement/restoration;
  • Advice concerning all aspects of water vole presence.

water vole habitat

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