Water Voles

Water voles along our waterways have become a scarce sight these days, but here in Hornsea we are lucky to have at least two that are currently being seen almost every day. I won't divulge the precise location here because they are a protected species, and need all the help they can get after numbers plummeted by 90% between 1989 and 1998.

The American mink and intensification of farming are reportedly the primary causes of the shocking reduction in numbers, although we can't rule out some the measures put in place by local authorities and The Environment Agency to manage the increase in surface water flooding experienced over the past decade.

Water Voles are the largest of the UK voles, and can look almost as large as a brown rat when swimming. They are herbivores and can often be seen munching on tender green shoots on a stream or river bank - but getting a photograph of them doing so has proven beyond me so far!!

Two Water Voles together - never thought I'd see this

Two here as well!!

If you see Water Vole please don't disturb them. By all means watch, photograph and enjoy them, because they may be not be with us much longer if their decline continues.

Dog owners please avoid letting your dogs swim in streams, canals and rivers where Water Voles may be present. Our wildlife is important and is very sensitive to disturbance. Thank you.