Water voles inhabit burrows along the banks of water courses. The water vole is afforded protection in the UK under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The national water vole population has declined significantly over the last century, and they are now afforded protection in the UK under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). It is illegal to kill, injure or capture a water vole, or intentionally or recklessly disturb, obstruct, damage, destruct a burrow.

Water voles are mainly found in slow-flowing rivers and streams. They live in colonies spread along water courses. They prefer sites with a wide swath of riparian habitat.

Water voles inhabit burrows along the banks of water courses.

Phlorum staff can provide advice for developments concerned about impacting upon water voles and are able to carry out surveys and devise appropriate mitigation strategies where required. Water vole surveys may be conducted between March and September. Although this species is active all year round, they are markedly less active during the winter.

Contact our team of protected species consultants to learn more about our water vole surveys and for your free no-obligation consultation.