Water Vole Surveys

A Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) on its ditchside habitat

The Water Vole, Arvicola terrestris, is legally protected by Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because of it's widespread decline due to habitat fragmentation and mink predation. This protection means it is illegal to injure or kill Water Voles or destroy their burrows.

A Water Vole survey undertaken by the Wildlife Survey unit would:

  • Collate available desk records from the Local Biological Records Centre
  • Identify the presence of Water Voles within a given area
  • Define the number of burrows, latrines and feeding stations present
  • Provide an estimate of the population size
  • Define measures needed to be taken to ensure legal compliance
A Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris) after being removed from a temporary trap

All survey methodology follows the methods detailed in the WildCru's The Water Vole Conservation Handbook (2nd edition).

For further information on Water Voles in relation to development please consult Natural England's Technical Information Note 42 - Water Voles and Development: Licensing Policy.