Water Vole

The water vole (Arvicola terrestris) is found throughout Britain predominantly in lowland areas near water. Once common and widespread, the water vole has suffered a significant decline in numbers and distribution to the extent that the species is no longer found across much of its former range.

The national status of the species was reported in 2005 as native, moderately common, although declining and the population was estimated at 875,000 water voles. Interpretation of recent survey results of key national sites have shown that water vole populations declined substantially during the 1990s, but more recent data suggest that the decline may have stabilised. As of the amended list in 2007 it is a Priority Species on UK BAP (URL 2), which received greater legal protection in 2008.

Legislation

The water vole received limited legal protection in April 1998 through its inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) for some offences. This protection has recently been extended (6th April 2008), so the water vole is now fully protected under Section 9. Legal protection makes it an offence to:

• intentionally kill, injure or take (capture) a water vole;
• possess or control a live or dead water vole, or any part of a water vole;
• intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection or disturb water voles while they are using such a place;
• sell, offer for sale or advertise for live or dead water voles.

Offences under Section 9 carry a maximum penalty of a fine not exceeding Level 5 on the standard scale (currently £5,000), imprisonment for up to six months, or both. In addition, the courts may order the forfeiture of any vehicle or other thing that was used to commit the offence.

Survey

Surveys are undertaken from mid April to early September. The target water course is walked in an upstream direction, with all field signs of water vole recorded on a plan. Burrows, nests, lawns, runs, footprints, droppings, latrines and feeding remains are noted, as well as any sightings of individual animals.