Surveys for water voles are required when it is possible that a development may impact upon terrestrial or aquatic habitat which this species is using. Most commonly found on steep-sided riverbanks, signs of water voles include piles of droppings known as latrines, footprints and pathways, feeding stations with characteristically gnawed vegetation, and burrows, which may be as much as 2-3m away from the water’s edge.
Timing Constraints
Water vole surveys should be completed during the breeding season of this species, typically between mid-April to mid-September; however, survey work is highly dependant on weather conditions and should not be carried out during or after periods of bad weather which may have washed away evidence of water vole activity.
The Legal Bit
| Water voles are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This makes it an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take capture a water vole; possess or control a live or dead water vole, or any part of a water vole; intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection or disturb water voles while they are using such a place. |
Gray Ecology 