‘Ratty’ still at risk from developers

Already one of Britain’s most endangered wild mammals, water voles remain at risk from developers, according to research by Oxford University.

Once a common sight on waterways throughout Britain, the introduction of predatory American mink combined with habitat loss resulted in catastrophic declines of the species.

The animals and their burrows are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, however, the findings published in Conservation Evidence suggest the creatures are still being pressurised by development.

Natural England created a licence to permit intentional disturbance of the animals before developments begin.

However, the university’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit found the voles often steadfastly stayed put. The findings suggest developers ensure the excavation of burrows by hand. Samantha Herbert