More water voles in Glen Nevis

Nevis team spots encouraging signs that our water vole population is expanding in Glen Nevis.

Water voles have been present across the land we care for in Glen Nevis since 2007, creating burrows and latrines along the Water of Nevis.

In August, our Nevis Manager Steph McKenna joined colleagues from the neighbouring Jahama Highland Estates and a wildlife specialist to survey the area between our two peatland restoration sites for signs of water voles. 

The survey revealed clear evidence that the population is expanding. New burrows and latrines were recorded along the length of the Water of Nevis and further into surrounding habitat, where grassy tussocks provide valuable cover. The team also found signs of feeding activity,  with grass stems cut at the species’ characteristic 45-degree angle and small, neatly cropped patches marking feeding areas.

Water voles are a protected and rare species in the UK, with one of their biggest threats being habitat loss and degradation. The rodents tend to confine themselves to streams, preferring habitats that allow easy escape into waterways if threatened by predators. The presence of burrows further from the waterway is particularly positive news from a land management perspective, suggesting that the Trust’s work to give primacy to natural processes is having a significant impact.

Steph said: “Through working closely with our neighbours, we were able to identify the expansion of the water vole population at Nevis. “Our water vole colonies have expanded and understanding where they are living and how they are using the landscape helps us continue to support these populations through our ongoing restoration and management work.”

• Find out more about our work at Ben Nevis and Glen Nevis.