Water vole

Not to be confused with its widespread cousin, the rat, the water vole is the largest British vole and one of our most endangered species. Its characteristic slow, doggy-paddle style swimming strokes or small burrow entrances is a rare sight on Britain's waterways.

Water voles (Arvicola terrestris) are found in much of Europe, east Siberia and Mongolia. They prefer lowland areas and are not often sighted in parts of Scotland. Water voles spend most of their time within two metres of their burrows and tend to occur in rural areas rich in dense vegetation. This affords the voles some protection from the searching eyes of their predators. Slow-flowing, deep water such as canals, lakes and streams suit the voles, who do not have the webbed feet of most water-dwelling animals.

Water voles burrow into steep canal or riverside banks to form a complicated system of underground tunnels and nesting chambers. Intelligent voles construct their burrows on several levels to minimise the risk of flooding, and at least one entrance will be below the water level for a fast escape if necessary. Water vole spotters should look out for closely grazed 'lawn' areas, often covered with neat piles of chopped grass, which are often seen around burrow entrances.