The Bank Vole

Often confused with field voles, the chesnut brown bank vole is a difficult one to spot but is common in this county, says Alex Learmont, assistant ecologist at Surrey Wildlife Trust

- Alex Learmont

ON a cold, frosty morning, before the sun has risen, with the mist swirling around our ankles, we open the small mammal trap in anticipation. Gently we tilt it until the creature within is revealed. “It’s Bob!” someone whispers in excitement. As we peer down at the small brown ball of fur, two beady black eyes stare back out of the gloom.