The Biodiversity Action Plan for London includes the water vole as a key species.  London Wildlife Trust's Water Vole Project started in March 2001 and is dedicated to the conservation of this species throughout Greater London.

We have identified a number of important locations where water voles still thrive. In Greater London water vole distribution is sparse with some concentration towards the Thames Estuary. The most significant populations can be found in dykes in the marshes at Rainham and Crayford to the east of London. Other healthy populations live on rivers such as the Ingrebourne, Beam, Crane, Colne, Frays and waterways in the Lea Valley.

Water voles have legal protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended) and the project is working with landowners, developers and relevant authorities throughout London to protect water-side habitat where water voles are living. Accidental destruction of colonies can happen if pest control fails to recognise the difference between a water vole or rat correctly. The project is also involved with local projects where vole-friendly habitat can be enhanced or created.

Have You Seen A Water Vole?

Like all wildlife it is sometimes difficult to identify or even spot a water vole. When we survey for them, we search water side habitat for their field signs.

If you spot a water vole or find any of their field signs we would love to know. We need the following information: 

Your name
Your contact details
Exactly where you saw it (if possible in the form of an OS grid reference)
What you saw (actual sighting, burrows, droppings/latrine, feeding remains etc.)
When you saw it
Type of habitat (river, pond, canal etc.)
Any other information you think is relevant

Contacting the project team 

Please send information about any sightings to:
The Water Vole Project Officer
London Wildlife Trust
Skyline House
200 Union Street
London SE1 0LW
020 7261 0447
Email us

Find out more

Wildlife information: water vole

Spotted 

Have you seen a water vole in London? Let Greenspace information for Greater London know! Register with GiGL and tell us about the species you’ve spotted in the capital.

Partners on the London Wildlife Trust's Water Vole Project

Environment Agency
British Waterways London
Lee Valley Regional Park