European Water Vole

The water vole looks similar to a brown rat, but with a blunt nose, small ears and a furry tail. They grow to 14–22 cm in length, plus a tail which is about half the length of the body. They are more active during the day than at night.

They live next to water in extensive burrow systems, with at least two entrances, one on the bank and one underwater to give them a secure escape route. The bank entrances often have a nibbled ‘lawn’ of grass around the entrance. They like to eat in the same place, so piles of nibbed grass and stems can be found in these locations by the water’s edge. They need to eat 80% of their body weight each day and mainly have a diet of grasses, plants, twigs, bulbs, roots, and fallen fruits. Occasionally, they include molluscs and small fish in their diet when boosting protein levels to feed pups.

They breed in spring and have three to four litters a year of up to five young.

They are classified as ecosystem engineers. As well as being a key prey species for many predators, their burrowing can promote soil microbial activity, drainage, and soil quality. Their grazing can increase bankside biodiversity and they also spread seeds and pollen.