Taylor Scott
Bank voles are the smallest of the UK's three native vole species, and are reddish-brown or chestnut-brown in colour. They are common and widespread across the UK, with a population of 27.4 million. They are active during the day and night, and do not hibernate, so can be spotted all year round. They are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, and gardens, where they live in shallow burrows or grassy nests above ground. They are agile and fast, but due to their wariness of danger, sightings are often fleeting. While the bank vole population is thought to be stable, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and destruction, particularly of hedgerows and woodlands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Population | 27,400,000 |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (LC) |
| Habitat | Broadleaf woodland, scrubland, hedgerows, grasslands, gardens, canals, rivers |
| Diet | Fruit, nuts, small insects, leaves, seeds, berries, fungi |
| Breeding season | March to October |
| Number of offspring | 3-7 |
| Number of litters | 3-4 |
| Lifespan | Up to 18 months |
| Weight | 14-40g |
| Body length | 8-12cm |
| Tail length | Less than half the body length |
| Appearance | Chestnut brown fur on back, greyish-white underside, blunt nose, small eyes and ears, short hairy tail |
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What You'll Learn
Bank voles are common and widespread in the UK
Bank voles are one of three vole species native to the UK, and they are common and widespread across the country. They are the smallest of the UK's voles, with reddish-brown or chestnut-brown fur and a cream-coloured or greyish-white underside. They are active during both the day and night and do not hibernate, so they can be spotted all year round.
Bank voles are found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, parks, gardens, and along canals and rivers. They favour dense vegetation that provides protection from predators and harsh weather, and they often live in shallow burrows just beneath the ground, although they may also make nests above ground. They are fast and agile creatures, and they are an important food source for other animals such as owls, kestrels, and snakes.
Bank voles have a varied diet that includes fruit, nuts, berries, leaves, seeds, and small insects. Occasionally, they will also feed on insects and fungi. They typically produce three to four litters of three to five young between March or April and October, with a gestation period of four weeks. The young are fully independent in four to nine weeks and live for up to 18 months.
Bank vole populations are relatively stable, with a population of 27.4 million in Great Britain. They are classified as "Least Concern" on the GB Red List. However, they are affected by habitat loss and destruction, particularly to hedgerows and woodlands, which are important habitats for the species. Conservation efforts to protect and restore these habitats are ongoing.
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They are the smallest vole species in the UK
Bank voles are the smallest vole species in the UK. They are reddish-brown or chestnut-brown rodents with a cream-coloured or greyish-white underside. Their tail is under half the length of their body, and they have a blunt nose with small eyes and ears. They are agile, speedy creatures and are active during both the day and night. They are widespread throughout England, Wales, and Ireland, and are present in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, parks, gardens, and canals. They are particularly fond of blackberries and hazelnuts and play a role in propagating plant species by consuming and spreading seeds. They are also an important food source for predators such as owls, kestrels, and snakes.
Bank voles are territorial and breed in shallow burrows, with females sometimes exhibiting aggression towards other litters. They produce three to four litters of between three and five young per year. The breeding season lasts from March to October, with the young becoming independent within four to nine weeks. Bank voles are not known to hibernate, but they become less active during the winter months.
While bank voles are common and widely distributed across the UK, they rely on the preservation and protection of their habitats, particularly hedgerows and woodlands. The bank vole population is thought to be stable, but they may be affected by damage and destruction to these important habitats. As skittish and cautious animals, they often hide among vegetation or use underground tunnels to escape potential threats.
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They are reddish-brown with small eyes and ears
Bank voles are small reddish-brown rodents with a cream-coloured underbelly and a short hairy tail. They are the smallest of the UK's voles, with a head-body length of 8–12 cm and a weight of 14–40 g. Their fur is a reddish-chestnut colour, with a dirty white underside. They have small eyes, a rounded snout, and small ears. Their tails are under half the length of their body.
Bank voles can be distinguished from other vole species by their physical characteristics. They have a blunt nose, small eyes, and small ears. Their fur is a rich, chestnut brown, and their tail is proportionally longer than that of other voles, such as the field vole. The field vole has grey-brown fur with a pale grey belly, while the bank vole is a richer, reddish-brown colour. The water vole has a more pointed muzzle than the bank vole, which has a blunter muzzle. The wood mouse, another similar species, has a longer tail and tends to bound rather than scurry.
The bank vole's colouring and features likely serve as effective camouflage in their natural habitat. Their reddish-brown fur blends well with the soil and foliage of their environment, providing them with a natural advantage when evading predators or hunting for food. This colouring also helps them remain inconspicuous, allowing them to move discreetly within their territory.
Bank voles are widespread throughout England, Wales, and Ireland, favouring woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, and gardens. They are active during both day and night, foraging for food and evading predators. Their agility and small size make them well-suited for navigating through dense vegetation and underground tunnels. While they don't hibernate, they become less active during the winter months when temperatures drop.
Overall, the reddish-brown colouring, small eyes, and ears of the bank vole are distinctive features that contribute to their camouflage, survival, and behaviour within their natural environment. These physical traits are also key identifiers for distinguishing bank voles from other similar species.
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They are active during the day and night
Bank voles are active during the day and night, and forage over distances of up to 50 metres. They are widespread across a variety of habitats in the UK, including woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands, parks, gardens, and canals. They prefer areas with dense vegetation that offer protection from predators and harsh weather, and they are often found near water sources such as canals, rivers, and lakes.
Bank voles are small, reddish-brown or chestnut-brown rodents with a cream-coloured or greyish-white underside. They have small eyes, rounded ears, a blunt muzzle or nose, and a short hairy tail that is under half the length of their body. They are very fast, agile, and alert, making them quite hard to spot despite their abundance.
As they are active both day and night, you may have luck spotting them at any time. To increase your chances, look for them in their preferred habitats, especially in grassy areas with shallow burrows or above-ground grassy nests. They are also known to climb bushes to nibble fruit and buds, so look up as well!
If you're patient and quiet, you might hear a rustling in the undergrowth, indicating a foraging vole. Stay still, and you may catch a glimpse of one scampering past. They are particularly fond of hazelnuts and blackberries, so keep an eye out for them near these food sources.
While bank voles are common and their population is considered stable, they are impacted by habitat destruction and agricultural pesticide use. Hedgerows and woodlands are vital habitats for these creatures, and efforts are being made to protect and restore these environments to maintain the biodiversity that is crucial for their survival.
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They are found in woodlands, grasslands and gardens
Bank voles are small, chestnut-brown rodents with a cream-coloured underbelly. They are the smallest of the UK's voles, with a blunt nose, small eyes and ears, and a short, hairy tail. They are agile, active creatures that are widespread throughout England, Wales and Ireland, and can be found in a variety of habitats.
Bank voles are commonly found in woodlands, grasslands and gardens, favouring dense vegetation that provides protection from predators and harsh weather. They are particularly associated with woodland edges and hedgerows, where they can hide amongst the undergrowth and travel through underground tunnels. They are also known to frequent areas with lush plant life, such as the banks of canals and rivers, where they play an important role in propagating plant species by consuming and spreading seeds.
Bank voles are known to be good climbers, often climbing up bushes to feed on fruit and buds. They are also commonly found in parks and gardens, where they may visit bird tables in search of an easy meal. They are not limited to rural areas, however, and can also be spotted in urban environments, where some have grown in confidence and become bolder in their search for food.
Bank voles are not considered endangered in the UK. They are widespread and relatively common, with a stable population. However, they do face potential threats from habitat loss and destruction, particularly to their favoured habitats of hedgerows and woodlands. Conservation efforts are focused on restoring, planting and protecting these vital habitats to maintain the biodiversity that supports bank voles and other native wildlife.
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Frequently asked questions
No, bank voles are common and widespread across the UK. They are active during the day and night, and can be found in woodlands, grasslands, hedgerows, and gardens.
Bank voles are the smallest of the UK's voles. They have reddish-brown or chestnut-brown fur with a dirty white or greyish-white underside. They have small eyes and ears, a blunt nose, and a short, hairy tail.
Bank voles are primarily herbivores, eating fruit, nuts, berries, leaves, seeds, and occasionally insects and fungi. They are particularly fond of hazelnuts and blackberries.
