Join in water vole survey

From now until June 15, we are calling for volunteers across England, Scotland and Wales to search for sightings and signs of water voles along local riverbanks, canals and other inland waterways.

This survey, which is part of PTES’ National Water Vole Monitoring Programme, helps conservationists find where water voles are living, how their populations are changing each year, and most importantly, where they are in most need of help.

PTES needs to build on the survey data gathered since 2015 to create a longterm picture of how water voles are faring, especially after having to cancel last year’s spring survey season.

We hope that the positive relationship people developed with nature during lockdown will mean the public are keen to get involved and help look for

these endearing creatures, or their signs, this spring.

Water voles are Britain’s fastest declining mammal

– a staggering 90% of the population was lost between the 1980s and 1990s alone so they really need our help.

Finding out where water voles are is crucial to their conservation, so now more than ever we need feet on the ground to help us look for these adorable riverside residents to see how they’re faring.

To take part, individuals, “bubbles” or households are asked to select one of the

850 pre-selected sites close to their home, which can be found online.

Surveyors are also asked to record any sightings or signs of American mink and otters, both predators of water voles.

To find out more and to take part in the survey, visit www.ptes.org/watervoles