Legislation and water voles

As from 6 April 2008 there were changes to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA 1981) which affect the water voles’ conservation status.

Water voles are now fully covered by the provisions of section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). This has increased the level of protection making it an offence (either intentionally or recklessly) to:

• kill , injure or take (capture) a water vole;
• possess or control a live or dead water vole, or any part of a water vole;
• damage, destroy or obstruct access to any structure or place which water voles use for shelter or protection or disturb water voles while they are using such a place;
• sell, offer for sale or advertise for live or dead water voles.

 If you know you have water voles, or suspect you have them on a site because of the presence of water, please contact us so we can provide further information on how these changes may affect you.

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