Water voles

Thomson ecology are highly experienced at carrying out water vole surveys and have ecologists who specialise in this area and hold the relevant licences.

Ecology and conservation status

The water vole (Arvicola terrestris) is the largest species of vole in Britain and inhabits canals, rivers, streams, ditches and other wetland areas. They create burrows in banks and feed primarily on reeds, rushes, sedges and other aquatic vegetation. The water vole is the largest of the British vole species, reaching around 35cm in length and weighing between 200g and 350g. It has a rounded body and short, blunt face with small ears that are almost hidden under the fur. They breed between March and September, defending linear territories along a water course. Two to five litters may be produced annually, each with 3-8 young.

The water vole population in the UK has declined steadily since the 1900’s, mainly due to predation by American Mink.

Protection and legislation

In April 2008, water voles received full protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. As a protected species it is an offence to kill or injure water voles, and to damage, destroy or obstruct access to places of shelter or protection (ie, burrow systems) and to disturb voles whilst they are using such a place.

The watervole is also a Priority UK BAP species and has been adopted as a Species of Principal Importance in England under Section 41 of the NERC Act 2006(Section 42 in Wales) and the Nature Conservation (Scotland) Act in Scotland. It is government policy that local authorities consider the conservation status of such species when determining planning applications.

Licences and surveys

A licence will be required whenever a disturbance to water voles or damage to their burrows is likely to occur.

Any watercourse within a proposed development site should be assessed for its potential to support water voles. A qualified ecologist can carry out a water vole survey, mapping key habitat features and recording signs of water vole activity

Mitigation

If water voles are present on a site, it could be a reason for refusing planning permission unless you can clearly demonstrate that they will be protected during the development process and that disturbance will be kept to a minimum. In some cases this may be extended to include post-development measures to ensure that the water voles continue to not be adversely affected by the development.
By far the best solution is to plan around the water vole habitat, but if water voles need to be moved, this must be done before the development begins and by qualified ecological consultants under a conservation licence from Natural England.
For small areas of habitat it may be possible to displace water voles into adjacent areas by vegetation clearance but for larger areas it may be necessary to use a system of fencing and traps. Any habitat lost will need to be replaced with new habitat of higher quality or greater extent to meet Natural England licensing requirements.