Water Vole Surveys
The water vole Arvicola amphibius is protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended).
It is an offence to intentionally kill, injure or take a water vole, or to damage, destroy or obstruct access to a water vole burrow or place of shelter. As a result, development proposals that have the potential to affect water voles or their habitats may require ecological surveys to support planning applications and ensure compliance with wildlife legislation.
When is a Water Vole Survey Needed?
A water vole survey may be required where development proposals involve works within or adjacent to rivers, streams, ditches, ponds, canals, wetlands or other suitable aquatic habitats.
Surveys may also be necessary where development could affect bankside habitats, watercourses or habitat corridors used by water voles.
What does a Water Vole Survey involve?
Water vole surveys involve a detailed assessment of watercourses and surrounding habitats to identify evidence of water vole activity and determine how the species may be affected by proposed works.
Surveys may include:
- Habitat assessments.
- Searches for field signs, including burrows, feeding stations, latrines, footprints and feeding remains.
- Identification of suitable breeding and refuge habitat.
- Assessments of habitat connectivity.
- Advice on avoidance, mitigation and enhancement measures.
Survey findings help determine whether water voles are present and identify any measures required to avoid or minimise impacts.
Mitigation and Licensing
Where impacts to water voles cannot be avoided, mitigation measures may be required. This may include habitat retention, buffer zones, vegetation management, habitat creation or translocation under licence where appropriate.
How Stour Ecology Can Help
Stour Ecology provides water vole surveys and ecological advice for planning applications and development projects across Suffolk, Essex and the surrounding counties. We work with homeowners, developers, architects and planning consultants to provide practical, proportionate solutions and help projects progress through planning.
Need a Water Vole Survey?
Contact us today to discuss your project and obtain a no-obligation quotation.
| Survey Type | Typical Survey Season |
|---|---|
| Habitat Assessment | Year-round |
| Water Vole Survey | April – September |
| Please note: Water vole surveys are most effective during the active season when characteristic field signs such as burrows, feeding stations, latrines and feeding remains are most readily identified. Survey conditions and vegetation growth can influence detectability throughout the season. | |
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