Wildlife Emergency
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WATER VOLES

A small water vole is sitting next to a partially eaten apple and some seeds in a purple container.
A small, brown water vole standing among green grass and water, appearing curious and alert.
A small brown rodent resting on a purple surface, surrounded by scattered seeds and some plant material.


The water vole is an iconic species for Maidenhead because Kenneth Grahame, while living in Winter Hill, created the character ‘Ratty’ in Wind in the Willows. ‘Ratty’ is actually a water vole and not a rat. 

What’s happening to water voles in Maidenhead?

Water voles are the fastest‑declining mammal in the UK, due largely to predation by mink. Sadly, despite their historical importance to Maidenhead, BBOWT’s Water Vole Recovery Project has no recent records of the species in the area. They were once found from Holyport in the south to Cookham in the north, and the last report showing an increase in numbers was in Cookham in 2008. Every survey since has returned negative results.

What can I do?

It is highly unlikely, but not impossible, that local people will see a water vole where they live. If so, please report it to us as soon as possible so that we can undertake further work to check for their presence. They are not likely to be seen in areas with regular human activity or where mink are active.

We are hopeful that a project to support habitats for water voles may be feasible in the future. If this were to happen, we would need volunteers to help, so watch this space. 

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