Water voles may never be as common as they were earlier in the century but with prompt action the existing populations could be given the opportunity to stabilise and recover. Repeat surveys would help to monitor the health of aquatic habitats and should be undertaken at regular intervals. Records for the database are always welcome. Species information is a vital part of the planning process and helps to protect important wildlife sites. The Hertfordshire Mammal Group have contributed information to the water vole survey and are continuing to research into Hertfordshire s mammals.
New members are always welcome.
There are several reasons. The factors listed below do not act in isolation but in combination. Many water courses have been damaged by expansion of urban areas, intensification of agriculture and dredging works. Water voles live in localised groups. The removal of bankside vegetation with increased predation results in isolated communities which are unable to colonise other areas leading to local extinction.