Water Vole Survey

Water Vole Surveys and Mitigation Photo: Water Vole

Our professional approach to each of our client’s project allows us to recognise the need for development while adhering to current water vole legislation.

The information below is for guidance only and may not include all aspects of the species or mitigation. Full detaitails are available from our qualified ecologists.

Did you know? WATER VOLE FACTS

Water voles can be found in Urban and Rural areas where habitat is available.
Habitat is slow moving water bodies with dense vegetation on banks including canals, rivers, streams, ditches, reed beds, marshes and ponds.
Water voles excavate burrow systems in the banks.
The water vole is the largest British vole and has a furry tail.
The water vole is NOT a rat which has a bald tail.
The water vole can produce up to five litters of six young from April - September.

Water Vole Legislation

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) was updated on April 6th 2008 and water vole protection was increased to make it an offence to:
Intentionally kill, injure or take water vole from the wild.
Possess or control live or dead water voles or derivatives.
Intentionally or recklessly damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection.
Intentionally or recklessly disturb water voles whilst occupying a structure or place used for that purpose.
Sell water voles or offer or offer or expose for sale or transport for sale.

WHAT WE DO

Initial Assessment for Water Voles

The initial survey of a proposed development site will establish the potential for any water voles and the possible impact on them.

Additional Water Vole Surveying

If the initial survey shows that the site has potential for water voles a further survey will be required to establish the actual presence and population size.

Water Vole Survey Methods

Water Vole Habitat Survey

The survey will consist of an assessment of the watercourses located within the site and 100 metres both upstream and downstream of the site where access allows. The survey will assess the habitat suitability for water voles. This can be undertaken at any time of the year, however cannot be done in high water levels.

Observational Surveying

Actual sightings of water voles are rare so we use observational techniques to search for characteristic field signs. These can include feeding areas, burrows, latrines, footprints and droppings. This can be undertaken between mid March – September which is the most active period for water voles.

Water Vole Licence Application

If the proposed development on the site is likely to disturb a water vole a licence will need to be applied for from Natural England. The application will need to be supported by a method statement for mitigation which we can assist you with.

Water Vole Mitigation

Our Creative Ecological Solutions maximise the choices available to you the developer. While preservation of the water voles is extremely important to us we understand and appreciate the need to develop in the modern world.

Our suggestions may include some of the following:

Habitat creation such as the introduction of reed beds, ponds and ditches.
Introduction of bank fencing to exclude the animals from an area.

Water Vole Survey Times

Surveys can be performed all year round. It must however be emphasised that element 2 of the Water Vole survey cannot be undertaken in high water levels.

Booking a Water Vole Survey

As soon as you know you need a water vole survey we recommend you book a date for our initial assessment. Please either call us on 01676 525880 to speak to our specialist Water Vole Survey department.

Alternatively please email your details to species@middlemarch-environmental.com and we will call you.

	BREEAM Assessments
	Phase 1 & Arboricultural Surveys
	Protected Species
	Mitigation Plans & Habitat Creation
	EIA & Masterplanning
	Business & Biodiversity