Water Voles in the Highlands

[Sand01]

Hi
Am still new to this site but thought I should let you know about our successful water vole spotting trip my family have been on today, near Fort William in the Highlands, Scotland. In the mammals glossary it is stated that the water vole is not found in the North. Not so! We went on a walk with a ranger today to investigate water vole sites. It was amazing. We found loads of burrows, evidence of latrines etc and even saw a live one running right through our group.

Now I know what to look for and where, I intend to go on many more water vole exploring expeditions.

I understand the Highlands have a healthy water vole population and that many nature books and websites need updated!

Has any one else had the same success?

[vole-woman]

That's great to hear. Have you reported your sightings to the local wildlife trust?

[seamusagleann]

hi there, i'm a ranger too,with the forestry commission,lochaber and i'd be really interesting in finding out where! i live near fort william ,and we did have healthy water vole population in Glen Coe at one time until the mink moved in. nice to see they're making a comeback!!

[Sand01]

Hi Seamus

The ranger we went with was Alison, from the John Muir trust, via Glen Nevis visitor centre. The trust appear to be doing a lot of research and work on protecting the water vole in the area. There is some concern about mink possibly being in Glen Nevis. I am sure Alison would appreciate your knowledge.

Sandra

[seamusagleann]

mink are pretty wide spread here, i'm afraid! but several projects are on going ,to help water voles ,i'll keep you informed on the developements.

[vole-woman]

Isn't there a programme to wipe them out in Scotland?

[Sand01]

Hi Seamus

Thanks for info. The site was an established site.

I hope that the mink get zapped. Good luck.

Sandra