MAMMAL

THE REAL RATTY March is a cracking month to walk along calm, Mink-free waterways to look for signs of Water Vole presence. Although these endearing mammals shun hibernation, they are less active in winter. Accordingly, as the cold abates this month, ‘Ratty’ is less averse to emerging from its waterside burrows. And as bankside vegetation has yet to contemplate its annual crescendo, so the voles venturing outside can be easily seen. March marks the start of the breeding season.