The water vole is found throughout Britain, though it is less common on higher ground. It is infrequently recorded from parts of northern Scotland and is absent Ireland. It is usually found near open water and dives and swims with great ease. Water voles are sometimes confused with brown rats which often also live near water courses. Water voles occur mainly along well vegetated banks of slow flowing rivers, ditches, dykes and lakes.
Water voles excavate extensive burrow systems into the banks of waterways.
Water voles tend to be active more during the day than at night. Male voles live along about 130 metres of water bank, while females have ranges about 70 metres long. They deposit distinctive black, shiny faeces in latrines. Latrines occur throughout and at the edges of their range during the breeding season. Water voles usually have three or four litters a year, depending on the weather.