The European water vole or northern water vole, is a semi-aquatic rodent. It is often informally called the water rat, although it only superficially resembles a true rat.
Water voles have rounder noses than rats, deep brown fur, chubby faces and short fuzzy ears; unlike rats their tails, paws and ears are covered with hair.
In the wild, on average, water voles only live about five months. Maximum longevity in captivity is 2 and a half years.
The water vole is legally protected in the United Kingdom.
You may see one at Autumwatch HERE