Although listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List due to higher populations within Europe, within the UK the species is listed as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan Species (UKBAP) and is listed on Schedule 5 on the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981). This means that it is an “illegal offence to intentionally kill, injure or take any wild animal listed on Schedule 5 and prohibits interference with places used for shelter or protection, or intentionally disturbing animals occupying such places” unless under specified circumstances.  The maximum fine on conviction of offences is currently £5,000.

Once one of our most common mammals, water voles have become the fastest declining mammal species in the UK. The species has been lost from 90% of sites where it had once existed over the past 100 years. One of the main reasons for this decline comes from the loss of suitable habitat due to hard engineering processes such as culverting, bank stabilisation and dredging, as well as overgrazing, poor grass cutting regimes and over shading from scrub, trees and invasive plants. The other major factor leading to water vole decline is due to the escape and release of the American Mink (mustela viso) into the wild where it preys upon the water vole.

If you think you have spotted a water vole the first thing you should do is a notify the appropriate conservation body or authority such as the Wildlife Trust, RSPB, NBN Gateway, Environment Agency, The Biological Records Centre, Natural England or Local Authority. These organisations will be able to give advice on how to move forward with a project.

When working on canals it can be important to follow these steps before and during a project to ensure you do not breach The Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981).

1. Before beginning a project look into whether water voles have been recorded on site or near the site by contacting your local conservation charity or authority.
2. Inspect the site for signs of water vole including: feeding signs, latrines, burrows and footprints. Seek advice for a more qualified opinion. If you do find signs report this to the appropriate conservation body and await further advice.
3. If water voles have only been discovered after development of a site has commenced you can contact the appropriate conservation bodies for advice. All works should be stopped until an appropriate survey has been undertaken and measures taken to protect the water voles on site.
4. Report back head office or appropriate governing body.
5. If Water Voles  are found to be using the habitats on site, permission will be required to undertake works.