ECOLOGY

 

Water voles are typically associated with clean, slow flowing or still waters with an abundance of marginal vegetation and steep, muddy banks into which they can burrow. Water voles eat roots, shoots and grasses among other things and are particularly keen of yellow iris and tubers. They are prone to habitat degradation and the release of the American mink has had a catastrophic impact on their population numbers.

 

SURVEYS

 

Water voles are secretive animals and direct observations are made difficult due to their secretive lifestyle. Surveys are best conducted by searching for characteristic field signs along suitable habitat i.e. steep river banks with lush herbaceous vegetation and clean, stable water levels. The most useful characteristic field signs include:

 

• Footprints

• Droppings

• Burrows

 

Extra field signs may include the following, however these cannot always be relied upon.

 

• Grazed 'lawns'

• Nests

• Runways

• Feeding stations

• Latrines

 

Aether Ecology conduct water vole surveys which can be combined with other protected species surveys including otters, badgers and birds. Contact us if you require a water vole survey.

 

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