Water Vole (Arvicola amphibius)

 The water vole is the largest British species of vole and can weigh between 200g and 350g. The water vole has a rounded body and short, blunt nose and face with small rounded ears that are nearly hidden under the chestnut brown or black fur and a long hair-covered tail. Water voles may produce two to three litters annually, although exceptionally up to five per year, each with two to six young. Smaller, single litters are more common for upland-dwelling populations.

Ecology

The water vole was once common and widespread within the UK but its population has steadily declined, as well as its distribution. This decline is due to habitat loss, fragmentation and degradation including predation by American mink. Although found throughout the UK the water vole tends to be found mainly in lowland areas near water, but not exclusively. Water voles inhabit canals, rivers, streams and ditches, normally where the water current is slow, creating burrows in banks. They feed primarily on reeds, rushes, sedges and other aquatic vegetation and breed between March and September.

GLM Ecology has wide experience in water vole surveys. As water voles are rarely seen site-specific surveys are carried out and are based on the presence of characteristic signs, such as, footprints, faeces, latrines, burrows and feeding stations. The survey will also provide an estimate of population size and identify methods needed to be taken to ensure legal compliance, if necessary. Water vole surveys are normally carried out between April and September and possibly October. This seasonal constraint means that the survey for this species should be considered at an early stage.

Legislation

In 2008 water voles received full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (Schedule 5). It is an offence to kill, injure, possess or sell a water vole, and to damage, destroy or obstruct access to places of shelter or protection and to disturb water voles whilst in such places. The water vole is a Priority UK BAP species and is a Species of Principal Importance in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006 (Section 42 in Wales) and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act in Scotland. It is government policy that local authorities consider the conservation status of water voles when determining planning applications.