Surveying for Water Voles

Although water voles can turn up in some unlikely places they tend to dwell on slow moving streams, ponds and ditches where the bank is covered with lush vegetation such as rushes, sedges and tall grasses.

Seeing a water vole is quite difficult these days although you may hear them dive into the water with a characteristic “plop” as you approach the habitat.

To tell if water voles are present we can look for 4 field signs:

Burrows

• 4 – 8cm diameter
• Found on the bank edge but can be on top also
• Grazed around hole entrance when female with young on nest
• No spoil or worn areas near entrance like rat burrows
  

Feeding remains

• Water voles will eat up to 240 different species
• Summer favourites include rushes and reeds
• Feeding left in neat piles
• Cut vegetation has 45 degree angle at ends

Latrines

• Piles of droppings (latrines) mark breeding territories
• Droppings 8-10mm length. 4-5mm width.
• Rounded ends
• Colour varies. Often dark green
• Odourless

Footprints

• Easily confused with rats
• Forefoot 4 toed star shaped imprint 14-18mm length
• Hind foot 5 toed 24-35mm heel to claw. Outer toes splayed horizontally.

Fore-foot (left) and hind-foot

We are always keen to hear about new records for this endangered species. If you think you have seen any of the above signs please call Richard Gardner, Northwest Lowlands Water Vole Officer on 01948 822222 or email

Find out more about the Life of the Water Vole