The RSPB is among those celebrating the return of Ratty, otherwise known as the water vole, to some of the UK’s waterways. As reported in today’s Daily Mail.
As Robin Page rightly says, Ratty has managed to hang on, just, in remote places. But there are some easily accessible places where it’s not too hard to catch up with the friendly creature.
RSPB nature reserves Rainham Marshes and Elmey Marshes have of the highest water vole densities in sites surveyed across England and Wales.
You could also see them at our Northward Hill, Titchwell and Minsmere reserves, among others.
Water vole populations are undoubtedly still in crisis thanks to habitat destruction and predation pressures. But if you get a chance to visit one of their strongholds, I promise it will be well worth it.
I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the tiny creature at RSPB Sandwell Valley near Birmingham. I’d been told there were some there, but didn’t for one minute think I’d be lucky enough to see one on my first attempt. I’m someone that is always looking into the crowd when a goal is scored at a football match or looking the wrong way when something funny happens that can’t be re-enacted. So I was sure my chances of seeing the often elusive water vole were slim to none.
But as I walked along the boardwalk, hopefully scanning the water’s edge, I saw a brightly coloured object ahead. It was a discarded upturned baseball cap, and sitting I it casually grooming its adorable face, was a water vole. I felt extremely honoured to see it and it seemed like an age until it realised I was getting closer, gawping at it. Tiny, vulnerable and nimble, it let me enjoy it for a while before disappearing off into the reeds.
I couldn’t believe my luck.