There is an increasing optimism throughout Europe with the concept of rewilding that can benefit people as well as biodiversity. With an approval from Natural England to release beavers into the wild in England, this exciting approach takes a significant step forward. 

This two-part Blog considers the practical implications of water vole and the protection it is afforded in respect to works affecting aquatic habitat, be it conservation, maintenance, management or development works. Part 2 of this Blog considers the displacement method in more detail, which is Ecosulis’s preferred method of mitigation where water voles are present and avoidance is not possible.