Natural England - Water voles

Water voles

Advice and legislation relating to water voles.

Legal status

Water voles are currently declining at a rapid rate. Until the 6th April 2008 water voles have some protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended), this includes protection from killing or taking by certain prohibited methods and their breeding and resting places being fully protected from destruction or obstruction, it is also an offence to disturb them in these places. An explanation of this change to the legislation pdf document has been produced by the Office of Public Sector Information. From April 2008 water voles and their resting places will be fully protected in England, it will be an offence to deliberately, capture, injure or kill them or to damage, destroy or obstruct their breeding or resting places. It will continue to be an offence to disturb them in their breeding or resting places. For full details of legal protection always refer to the primary legislation and subsequent amendments.

There is, however, provision within the legislation to use prohibited methods or to disturb them or damage/obstruct their resting places (and from 6th April to kill or take them) in certain defined circumstances, if the issue cannot be resolved by any alternative means.

The Natural England Wildlife Management and Licensing Service administers licence applications for the following purposes:

  • science, education or conservation, ringing or marking
  • the protection of a zoological collection
  • preventing serious damage to livestock, food for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, or any other form of property or to fisheries
  • preventing the spread of disease
  • preserving public health or public safety

Please note that the legislation does not permit licences to be issued in relation to development of land; please see our leaflet for developers for helpful advice.

Advice & leaflets - resolving problems

Often potential conflicts between water voles and people can be resolved without recourse to any licensed action. Natural England produces a range of leaflets and research reports on water vole biology and management of sites:

You may also find the answers to our frequently asked questions pdf document useful. If the activity you propose cannot be carried out without a licence please download one of our application forms below. If you require specific advice contact us.

How to apply for a licence

If you wish to apply for a licence you will need to complete an application form. The forms can be downloaded from this website, then they can either be posted to the address on the form or completed electronically and submitted by e-mail. If you are unable to download a form they can be obtained directly from the Wildlife Management and Licensing Service. There is no charge for this licence or for advice.

Following receipt of your completed application, a Wildlife Management Adviser may contact you to discuss the case or arrange a visit to the site where the problem is occurring. The adviser will assess the situation and provide guidance on the remedial options available where applicable.

We aim to process damage, agriculture and overriding public interest related licence applications in 30 working days from date of receipt and science, education, conservation and possession cases in 15 working days.

Please download an application form using the links below:

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