Water Vole Surveys
What are Water Vole Surveys?
Water voles are a legally protected species in the UK, with protection covering both the animals and their places of shelter. Works affecting watercourses, banks or riparian habitats may therefore require water vole surveys to establish presence and inform appropriate mitigation. Early assessment is important, as survey requirements are seasonally constrained and can influence project programmes.
Initial water vole habitat assessments can be carried out at any time of year. These involve an appraisal of the habitats present, followed by a detailed search for water vole field signs, including burrows, footprints, latrines, runs and feeding remains.
Watercourse Surveys & Assessment
Where the initial assessment identifies suitable habitat and potential for water voles to be present, further surveys will be recommended in line with current best practice, including the Water Vole Mitigation Handbook. Optimal survey timing is between mid-April and September. Where high-quality habitat is present, guidance typically requires two survey visits: one during the early part of the season (mid-April to June) and one later in the season (July to September).
Whitcher Wildlife Ltd surveyors are experienced and fully equipped to undertake water vole surveys across a wide range of sites. Surveys may be carried out from the banks using binoculars, or from within the channel where safe and appropriate to do so, allowing thorough inspection of suitable features along the watercourse.
Survey Reporting & Recommendations
The findings of our water vole surveys are presented in a clear and comprehensive report, setting out survey results, assessing the potential impacts of proposed works and providing proportionate recommendations to support planning or delivery of works.
Where water voles are confirmed to be present, Whitcher Wildlife Ltd can guide clients through the licencing and mitigation process. This includes advising on appropriate working methods to minimise impacts and, where necessary, applying for the relevant licences and delivering displacement or translocation works to allow projects to proceed lawfully.
Why choose Whitcher Wildlife for Water Vole Surveys?
Whitcher Wildlife Ltd has extensive experience across all aspects of water vole survey and mitigation. We regularly prepare and deliver mitigation strategies for works affecting watercourses where water voles are present and have successfully supported projects through licenced exclusion and displacement works. Members of our team hold licences under Natural England, including the CL31 licence for water vole displacement, allowing us to manage impacts lawfully and efficiently.