Water Vole Surveys
Water vole surveys are seasonally constrained, with the optimal time being from April to September. Methods of water vole surveys include searches for signs of water vole activity and presence (facaes, latrines, feeding stations, burrows, lawns, nests, footprints, and runways).
If a proposed development will affect water voles or their habitat, it is best to modify the scheme design so that water vole habitat can be maintained in situ, or steps taken to minimise damage to water vole habitat.
If this is not possible and the habitats or animals will be affected, a conservation licence will be required from the statutory agency (Natural Resources Wales or Natural England). In cases where the loss of water vole habitat is unavoidable, mitigation may include the ‘exclusion’ of the animals from the development area, in addition to habitat creation and restoration.
Water Vole legislation and protection
Water voles are fully protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) in Wales and England, making it illegal to:
Intentional kill, injure or take a water vole
Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place used by a water vole for shelter or protection, or disturb a water vole occupying such a place
The water vole is a UK Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) priority species.