Water Vole Mitigation and Compensation

Avoidance Methods

Avoidance of negative impacts on a species due to development should always be attempted. Negative effects to water voles can be avoided by:

• Attempting to avoid undertaking works in areas where water voles are present.
• Attempting to limit damage to their habitats.
• Ensuring connectivity of habitats to avoid habitat fragmentation and isolation.

Water Vole Mitigation Methods

Water vole mitigation methods should be put in place if avoidance methods are not possible. Mitigation methods should attempt to limit the impacts of development through use of habitat manipulation. Habitat manipulation will encourage the species to move to a new, connected habitat.

Translocation, which means capturing and moving the water voles can be undertaken in certain circumstances. This should only be done when there is no reasonable way to keep them in the same location, or nearby habitat.

When undertaking translocation, the new habitat should be appropriate and capable of supporting the species population. You must prove that use of this method as part of the development work would assist in the conservation of the species.

Water Vole Compensation Methods

Remaining negative effects which cannot be solved using mitigation measures can be offset using compensation methods. Compensation methods can include the following:

• The improvement of water quality
• Enhancement and improvement of the bank and vegetation structure
• The provision of added or improved habits for the water voles to compensate for any habitats lost as a result of the development.

Mink control should also be undertaken as part of mitigation or compensation of this species.

More information on water vole mitigation and compensation methods have been set out by Natural England and can be found on the Government’s website. The Water Vole Mitigation Handbook, which is part of the Mammal Society Mitigation Guidance Series, also provide some useful guidance.

How Can Collington Winter Assist?

Collington Winter Collington Winter Environmental are a team of Ecologists with extensive experience in undertaking mitigation strategies on all types of development projects. Our Ecology Director, Olivia Collington, has worked with protected species across the UK, undertaking field surveys and writing scientific reports for submission at planning.

We adopt a pragmatic approach to all sites, working with clients to find solutions and develop relationships. With current offices located in Greater Manchester and Dumfries, the team are well served to work nationwide. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with key stakeholders across the UK.

We provide a number of mitigation services, including great crested newt mitigation, bat mitigation, badger mitigation, and bird mitigation. Please get in touch with our Ecology Director Olivia Collington (Olivia.collington@collingtonwinter.co.uk) for more information on bat surveys and mitigation.

As well as mitigation services, we offer Ecological Appraisal and Assessment and Protected Species Surveys.

We also provide Landscape Architectural Services.