Water Vole Surveys
Water vole surveys are usually undertaken by an experienced ecologist during the breeding season. The water vole survey looks for water vole field signs such as droppings and latrines, burrows, grazed lawns around burrow entrances and feeding remains.
The water vole (Arvicola terrestris) is the largest of Britain's native vole. It is protected under the UK law and its population has declined over the past century due to habitat fragmentation, pollution, river canalisation, and predation by American mink (Mustela vison).
It is an offence to damage water vole burrows or kill/injure individuals. Even handling voles is illegal without a license. Mitigation strategies must be designed prior to any works, and a license will be required whenever a disturbance to water voles or damage to their burrows is likely to occur.
To discuss water vole surveys and other water vole mitigation measures please call us now on 01323 768155 or use our enquiry form.
