Water voles

[Cheviot]

Hi all,
Have just seen a piece on the one show about water voles, I hadn't realised that they were so large, apparently they are quite rare, and they are trying to build up numbers of them by breeding in captivity. It has got me thinking that we may have one (some) around the place, I initially thought it was rats but I have plenty of experience of rats and knew it wasn't rats, then I thought it might be a mink, but I have not lost any stock or eggs, the only signs I have seen are lots of holes, some going into the chicken pens and whatever it is, has been burrowing in the compost heap, I did put some rat bait in the compost bin and although there was a lot of activity none of the bait was taken, I have seen one footprint in the mud, which definately wasn't a rat, but I don't know what it was. Has anyone any knowledge of water voles, and do you think it might be, or is it something else and do I need to be worried.
Thanks
Sue

 

[Anne W]

I have no knowledge of watervoles Sue but I guess you are keen to know if it is them ( grammar?) that are burrowing or common ( Hate them!) rats. Especially as you won't want to be poisoning them. Try the powers of the internet - I know last year spring/autumn watch on BBC were giving people the opportunity to ask questions and watervoles had been prominent on the series. I originate from Northumberland and can remember my father saying he had seen watervoles and although it was a long time ago I think it likely they are still up there. Do let us know if you have any

 

[Cheviot]

Hi Anne,
did some research on the internet last night, and I am now almost convinced that is what is digging the holes, as we live only 20 metres or so from running water, I have never seen any droppings, but apparently water voles use a "toilet" and do all their business in the one place, so that would be why. I feel much happier now I think I know what it is, as although I was sure it wasn't common rats I wasn't 100% convinced, the holes being dug are very similar, only bigger, only difference being there were no droppings. Water voles must be very secretive as I have never seen one, not even a glimpse of one in the undergrowth, with rats you often see them scurrying about, but I have seen absolutely nothing, I would love to see one in the flesh, will have to keep a close watch from now on.
Regards
Sue
P.S. So glad the water vole didn't take any poison from the compost bin

 

[Anne W]

Well done Sue - sounds as if you are right! You could always buy a cheap CCTV or wildlife camera - set up your own Springwatch!! :lol: They have a tiolet area do they? Never knew that - I suppose if you are a secretive animal you wouldn't want to be leaving your 'calling card' everywhere. Good luck