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Water Vole (Arvicola terrestris)

The water vole lives in a complex system of burrows along grassy stream and river banks on which it grazes. 

A brown, blunt nosed, mouse-like animal, the water vole is an agile swimmer. It can be very elusive and it is more likely to hear the characteristic 'plop' as it dives into the water. The water vole is sometimes called a water rat and was the inspiration for 'Ratty' in the 'Wind in the Willow'. However, it is much smaller than the large brown rats often seen by rivers.

The water vole has suffered a long-term decline since the Industrial Revolution. Historically, this is mainly due to the building of leats and channelling of water courses in order to power the cotton mills, resulting in the loss of the grassy banks that provide a home to the water vole.

More dramatic decline in Britain has occurred in the last 20 years, with severe losses in the White Peak streams and the lower reaches of the rivers Goyt and Etherow in the Dark and Southwest Peak of the Peak District. Water transfer schemes, over grazing and the use of heavy farm machinery have all contributed to a general destruction of the burrows and grassy river banks that the water vole prefers. The increase in the number of American mink (fur farm escapees) and domestic cats that hunt the water vole, as well as competition with the brown rat, have also contributed to its demise.

But the Peak District still remains a strong hold, especially on the moorlands. Work is also being done to carry out surveys and raise awareness to landowners about the impact they might be having on water voles. The Wildlife Trusts provide advice and information on how to protect water vole sites.

For more information and pictures of the water vole go to www.english-nature.org.uk/baps/species.
Click here to find out more about the Peak District Biodiversity Action Plan for Water Voles.

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