Water Vole Surveys

Water voles and their habitats are fully protected by UK law. Quants has substantial successful experience of water vole mitigation habitat design and licensing.

Water voles inhabit rivers, streams, ditches and waterbodies throughout much of the UK. Water voles are most active between April and October, although habitat surveys can be undertaken year-round.

Our staff can undertake a water vole survey to assess habitat suitability and record any signs of water vole activity. The most reliable type of survey uses droppings/latrines to identify water vole presence. Small sections of cut feeding material, close-grazed lawns and characteristically shaped burrows, also give the ecologists signs that it is water vole on site and not just common brown rat.

The water vole survey will include an assessment of any watercourses located within the site and 100 m both upstream and downstream of the site, where access allows. If your development affects water voles or their habitat, or is in close proximity to a suitable waterbody, it is prudent to undertake a survey for this elusive species.