Ecological survey calendar › Water voles
When to survey for water voles in Wales and England
Updated November 2026. Based on the Water Vole Mitigation Handbook (2016) and Natural England's current standing advice and class licence.
Water vole surveys run from mid-April to September, normally as two visits: one between mid-April and the end of June and one between July and September. Licensed displacement by vegetation removal is limited to 15 February to 15 April, before the breeding season.
Survey windows, sensitive periods and works timing
| Activity | Type | When | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water vole surveys | Survey | mid-Apr to Sep | Two visits: one between mid-April and the end of June, one between July and September. |
| Water vole breeding season | Sensitive period | Apr to Sep | Avoid works to occupied banks. |
| Water vole displacement (licensed) | Works window | mid-Feb to mid-Apr | Displacement by vegetation removal between 15 February and 15 April, before breeding. Suited to short lengths of bank only (up to 50 m in the handbook), under licence. |
Optimal survey Possible, not ideal Sensitive period Works window
Timing depends on the site, the weather in a given year and what the planning authority and licensing body need. Upland and northern sites can run later. See every species group side by side on the ecological survey calendar.
About water voles
Water voles live in burrows in steep, well-vegetated banks of slow-flowing rivers, ditches and ponds, and are active by day. They breed from spring to early autumn.
Legal protection
Water vole is fully protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Licensing
Wales: Displacement or capture of water voles needs a licence from Natural Resources Wales.
England: Displacement can be done under Natural England class licence by a registered ecologist; larger schemes need a mitigation licence.
Practical tips
- Book surveys so the two visits fall either side of the end of June.
- Displacement suits short lengths of bank only. Longer or high-density sites usually need trapping and translocation.
Common questions
When is water vole survey season?
Mid-April to September, normally two visits: one between mid-April and the end of June and one between July and September (Dean et al., 2016; Natural England standing advice).
When can water voles be displaced?
Between 15 February and 15 April, by removing vegetation under licence, before breeding starts. It suits short lengths of bank only, up to 50 m in the handbook.
Do I need a licence?
Yes, for displacement or capture. In England a registered ecologist can work under Natural England's class licence for qualifying schemes; in Wales a licence comes from Natural Resources Wales.
Need a survey or advice on timing? Ecoleg's licensed ecologists programme surveys across Wales and England so the right work happens in the right season. Call 07356 123706.
Request a quoteSee the full calendarSources
- Dean, M., Strachan, R., Gow, D. and Andrews, R. (2016) The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook. Mammal Society.
- Natural England (2025) Protected species and development: advice for local planning authorities, survey timings table (accessed November 2026).
Updated November 2026. General guidance only: confirm timing for your site with a suitably qualified ecologist.