Water Vole
Best known as Ratty in Wind in the Willows, the water vole’s population has declined drastically in recent years and they are now one of Britain’s most threatened native mammals. The American mink which originally escaped from fur farming industries, have adapted to the same watercourses that were traditional sites for the water voles and have been their predators for almost 50 years.
Water voles are the largest voles in the UK and can grow anything from 14-22cm (5-9 inches) long. Scottish water voles look darker and have black hair with a round face and short ears very close to their head. They have long tails 9-14cm (3-5 inches) when extended. Water voles live in grassy riverbanks or the marshy ground of narrow peaty burns.
Water voles live in isolated small colonies of rarely more than 10 inpiduals. With such low numbers, these colonies are always at risk of being wiped out by chance events such as sudden extreme flooding or the occasional hungry mink discovering their home. They like to eat grass-like plants such as sedge and rush that thrive in damp soils and riverbeds.
Water voles are most active above ground during the spring and summer months. If you are keen to see these furry creatures, look out for their field signs. These include: holes the size of tennis balls in steep riverbanks; flattened grass with gnawed off ends; and oval droppings. If you listen out for a large “plop” sound near water you might be lucky enough to see one having a swim!
Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Rangers are monitoring sightings of water voles to find out just how many are living here.
By contacting us, you can help to ensure that the water vole is not only remembered as Ratty but also as a well-loved small mammal living in our watercourses. For more information and to download a water vole survey form visit our wildlife surveys page.