Water voles are semi-aquatic mammals that live along watercourses, burrowing into the banks and feeding on sedge and grasses.
They are chestnut to dark brown in colour, with a blunt nose. Water voles are smaller than rats, and are hunted by mink, brown rats and cats.
It is estimated that water voles have disappeared from 95% of their former territories. As of April 2008 water voles are a fully protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act. |
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Survey work in 2006 and 2007 showed that Whitchurch continues to be a national hot-spot for water voles.
The Project is currently focussing on areas a little further afield, especially that between Whitchurch, Whixall and Prees. We will be seeking to find out where water voles are to be found and whether there are corridors of suitable habitat linking the colonies.
Details of forthcoming survey work can be found on the Events page.
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