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Survey findings so far......
Survey findings so far......
Water voles are under serious threat from habitat loss and predation from American mink. The good news is we continue to find populations of water vole along our brook.
Tuesday 19 August 2025 - Amport
Tuesday 19 August 2025 - Amport
A small group of volunteers surveyed both banks of the brook at Mill House opposite the Hawk Inn in Amport. The good news is that we did find evidence of water vole activity here - feeding stations and a latrine.
In June 2024 Watercress & Winterbournes carried out a habitat restoration project in this section of the brook. So we are all delighted that this work has had a positive impact on our water vole population.
The feeding remains of water voles are very distinctive - having a 45º angled cut at both ends. Their droppings can vary in colour but are the size and shape of tic tacks.
Feeding station
Latrine
Tuesday 29 April 2025 - Abbotts Ann
Tuesday 29 April 2025 - Abbotts Ann
Volunteers spent a lovely afternoon along the Pillhill Brook at Abbotts Ann water meadow learning how to spot evidence of water voles. Thank you to Maggie Shelton from Watercress & Winterbournes for leading us.
We've found evidence of runs, burrows, feeding stations and latrines.
We didn’t find as much evidence of water voles as last year’s survey but the bank was very boggy and it was still early in the season. So we plan to return later in the water vole season (April to September) to carry out another survey.
Distinctive 45º angled cuts
Empty caddis cases
We also found puzzling small piles of empty caddis cases dotted along the banks of the survey area. Maggie explained that water shews are very partial to caddis. So we know we also have water shews at this site!
Water shrew
Next year, as Watercress & Winterbournes will have closed down, the PBA will be carrying out our own surveys.
If you would like to get involved in a future water vole surveys then contact us at pillhillbrook@gmail.com.
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