I've never seen a water vole before, so my question is, where can I find and see them?

Also, how common are they? I know that they are legally protected these days so obviously there must be significantly less than there used to be. But are they so rare as to not have much chance of seeing one?

They are famous from Wind in the Willows of course. I know people get them confused often with rats too!

Hi Squirreler

Water voles are quite widely distributed but are in decline due to loss of suitable and habitat and an increase in the mink population. Strangely, I don't think the voles are actually protected but the habitat where they are found is.

I've not seen one for several years but I know where they are in my patch and can find the signs quite easily.Seeing them is a bit like seeing water rails - lots of waiting around and a bit of luck. I think they are most active at dawn and dusk and as you say are eaily confused with rats, especially in the water but have a very blunt nose in comparison.

Because they are hard to see their known distribution is likely to be underestimated and because they don't seem to be greatly affected by people (unlike mink) and can crop up in quite urban (and untidy) areas. Your local wildlife trust should be able to help point you in the right direction.

Best wishes

SCR